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Mechanical engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include Mechanical maintenance technician

Mechanical engineering technicians design, install and repair industrial machines and parts.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£47,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

More Information

College

You can take a college course which would teach you some of the skills needed to become a mechanical engineering technician. Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
  • Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technology
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start in a junior or assistant role by doing an Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship.

You could also apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:

  • Engineering Technician
  • Engineering Maintenance Technician
  • Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
  • Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Further information

You'll find more details about careers and training through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a mechanical engineering technician, you could:

  • use computer aided design (CAD) software to draw parts
  • test ideas to improve existing systems and solve problems
  • install and test instruments and machinery
  • identify and repair faults
  • meet performance and safety targets

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in an office.

Your working environment may be noisy and outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could manage a team or a project.

You could specialise in areas like CAD design or quality control.

You could also qualify as an engineer by completing a degree in mechanical engineering.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Accelerated Apprentice (Submariner) - Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.

  • Wage: £33,000 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Engineering Technician Accelerated Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £34,000 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

TU Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering

  • Provider: DARLINGTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Darlington

HNC Engineering (Mechanical) (HTQ)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 30 September 2026
  • Location: Castleford
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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