There is no typical mechanical engineer and no typical mechanical engineering job. Mechanical engineering is about items that move – engines, motors, generators and turbines – and the gears and levers that deliver and produce power. It is evident in mechanical engines and garages; engine design, construction, testing and evaluation; the movement of water, air and other fluids; transport of all types, including trains, ships, aeroplanes and racing teams. Engineers apply knowledge and solve problems using mathematics and science.

Today mechanical engineering is the power behind innovations, design and bold new product development. Engineering offers an excellent and rewarding career, and provides huge variety and scope for anyone looking for something more challenging than the routine. It is a fast-moving, ever-evolving field and mechanical engineers are always in demand; indeed, the engineering sector is currently experiencing a skills shortage and opportunities are readily available for new graduates.

As processes change, engineers need to be retrained in the use of the most up-to-date equipment, and their skills have to be continually enhanced and improved. Like other developed countries, the UK is short of engineers – as indicated above – as other courses at universities and colleges are more popular with students. Employment prospects are therefore very good for the right people with the skills and/or experience that are in demand.

Qualifications and training

Because there are so many different qualifications available, it is simplest to look at the relevant institutions, in order to describe how an individual’s portfolio can be developed.

Engineering Council UK

ECUK is the engineering profession’s lead body and registers all engineers through 36 individual licensed engineering institutions. The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) is the standard for recognition of professional engineers and professional engineering technicians in the UK. The standard is published by ECUK on behalf of the engineering profession. ‘The Register’ has four sections, as described below.

1. Chartered Engineers (CEng) develop appropriate solutions to engineering problems, using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and change. They develop and apply new technologies, promote advanced designs and design methods, introduce new and more efficient production techniques, marketing and construction concepts, and pioneer new engineering services and management methods. They are engaged in technical and commercial leadership, and possess good interpersonal skills.
2. Incorporated Engineers (IEng) maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology, and may undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation. Incorporated Engineers are engaged in technical and commercial management, and possess effective interpersonal skills.
3. Engineering Technicians (EngTech) solve practical engineering problems. They are professionals with supervisory or technical responsibility, and apply safe systems of working. They contribute to the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services.
4. Information and Communications Technology Technicians (ICTTech) are employed in a range of jobs that involve supporting or facilitating the use of ICT equipment and applications by others. They work in areas such as ICT hardware, software or system installation, operation, maintenance, incident/change/problem management, administration, security, fault diagnosis and fixing.

Becoming a CEng, IEng, EngTech or ICTTech

To apply for the title of CEng, IEng, EngTech or ICTTech, an individual must be a member of one of the engineering institutions and societies currently licensed by the Engineering Council to assess candidates. Applicants must demonstrate that they possess a range of technical and personal competences, and are also committed to keeping these up to date, and to behaving in a professionally and socially responsible manner.

The first step is to check if your academic qualifications are recognised. A large number of them are accredited, but even if your qualifications are not on the list you may still be eligible. If you are in the UK, or a UK citizen, you should contact the licensed member organisation that is most aligned with your interests (an up-to-date list of licensed institutions is available on the Engineering Council website – see ‘Key contacts’). Even if your qualifications are not immediately recognised, you may be accepted through an assessment conducted by a licensed organisation, or by taking all or part of another qualification, or the Engineering Council exam. The licensed organisation you approach will advise you on your best option.

Demonstrating your experience, training and commitment requires membership of one of the licensed organisations. Tell them you want to be registered – if possible stating the category of registration (CEng, IEng, EngTech or ICTTech) you require. Assessing your credentials can take up to six months, especially if an interview is required. CEng or IEng registration will usually require a professional review interview, based on your submitted application and accompanying portfolio. The detailed requirements for registration may be found under ‘UK-SPEC’ on the Engineering Council UK website (again, see ‘Key contacts’).

Other professional bodies

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is the fastest-growing professional engineering institution in the UK, and has around 98,000 members.

• Affiliates have an interest in mechanical engineering, but no formal qualifications or experience, and include undergraduate students and apprentices.
• Associate Members are engineering degree graduates.
• Members meet academic requirements and competences for registration as a CEng, IEng or EngTech with the Engineering Council.
• Fellows are professional mechanical engineers in a position of senior responsibility.

Members of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) are involved in road transport, plant or operations engineering, or engineering surveying; the SOE has more than 18,000 individual and corporate members.

• Associate Members (AMSOE) have a good basic level of relevant academic or training qualifications and engineering experience, and may also achieve registration as EngTech.
• Members (MSOE) have a balance of academic qualifications or training, with extensive experience. Generally eligible for registration at IEng level.
• Fellows (FSOE) are senior engineers with high levels of academic achievement or many years of training, coupled with extensive experience. Generally eligible for registration at CEng level.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) admits people with CEng, IEng and EngTech status, and has more than 150,000 members in 127 countries.

• Student members are those undergoing an approved programme of study (undergraduate degree or apprenticeship), who intend to satisfy the requirements for the category of member. (Postgraduate students may be members or student members of the IET.)
• Associates are engaged in science, engineering or technology, or value involvement with the IET, including retired and unemployed people; they do not have to be studying or working in engineering.
• Members with designatory letters are people who have achieved an approved standard of knowledge and understanding, and are engaged in an activity relevant to the interests of the IET. Technicians may use the designatory letters TMIET, while engineers can adopt MIET.
• Fellows are members who have demonstrated successful leadership or outstanding service to the profession over an extended period, normally not less than five years.

Other professional bodies include the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and TWI Ltd (The Welding Institute).

• SEMTA (Science, Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) is the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies. It covers some 75,000 companies employing 2 million people, working closely with sector strategy groups to drive improvements in productivity by transforming skills.
• EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) is an awarding body for engineering NVQ and SVQs. It was established to help the industry invest in its future through vocational qualifications, and offers a vast range of awards.
• The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing (the Skills Academy) has been created as a centre of excellence to tackle the skills and training priorities of the UK manufacturing sector.
• MetSkill Academy was established by employers in the metals industry to improve business performance and skills in every part of the sector.

Employment

The traditional way of finding employment has changed significantly, and employers are using the internet and a variety of other channels for recruitment. Recruitment fairs offer an excellent opportunity to meet prospective employers. Attendance at such events can give the visitor a feel for a company’s ethos, as well as the chance to make a good impression, and explaining their previous experience and areas of expertise.

Many people work within mechanical engineering departments in positions such as project manager. It is possible to progress from working with tools through supervisory grades (responsible for people and machinery), to management (manpower, machinery and budgets), to higher management (managing managers and strategic matters).

KEY contacts

Engineering Council UK, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX Tel: 020 3206 0500 Website: www.engc.org.uk Twitter: @EngCouncil

The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2AY Tel: 01438 313 311 Website: www.theiet.org Twitter: @TheIET

Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London SW1H 9JJ Tel: 020 7222 7899 Website: www.imeche.org Twitter: @ IMechE

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Aldgate House, 33 Aldgate High Street, London EC3N 1EN Tel: 020 7382 2600 Website: www.imarest.org Twitter: @IMarEST

Institution of Agricultural Engineers, The Bullock Building, University Way, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0GH Tel: 01234 750876 Website: www.iagre.org

MetSkill Academy, SEMTA, 14 Upton Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0JT Tel: 0845 643 9001 Website: www.metskill.co.uk
 
National Skills Academy for Manufacturing, Office 21, 4200 Waterside Centre, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham B37 7YN Tel: 0845 643 9001 Website: www.nsa-m.co.uk
 
Royal Aeronautical Society, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ Tel: 020 7670 4300 Website: www.raes.org.uk Twitter: @ASChannel

SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies), 14 Upton Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0JT Tel: 0845 643 9001 Website: www.semta.org.uk

Society of Operations Engineers, 22 Greencoat Place, London SW1P 1PR Tel: 020 7630 1111 Website: www.soe.org.uk Twitter: @SOE_HQ

TWI Ltd, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AL Tel: 01223 899000 Website: www.twi.co.uk