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. 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 other courses at universities and colleges are more popular with students. Employment opportunities are therefore very good for the right people with skills and/or experience that are in demand.
Mechanical engineering in the Services
The Services have a range of highly qualified individuals in most aspects of engineering. All have mechanical engineering specialists, working on sophisticated and complex instruments, vehicles, engines (including nuclear reactors) and other equipment. Qualifications after training range from master’s degrees, through national certificates and diplomas to NVQ level 2, with institute membership at the appropriate grade being available to most professional engineers.
Qualifications and training
Because there are so many different qualifications available, it is simplest to look at the relevant institutions, 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 the 36 individual engineering institutions. 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 three sections, as described below.
- 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.
- 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.
- Engineering Technicians (EngTech) apply proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical engineering problems. They carry supervisory or technical responsibilities, and exercise creative aptitudes and skills within defined fields of technology. They contribute to the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services, applying safe systems of working.
Becoming a CEng, IEng or EngTech
To become a CEng, IEng or EngTech, people must demonstrate appropriate competence and commitment through:
- academic qualifications
- experience and training
- a professional review, which may involve a dissertation, an interview or an exam
- membership of a licensed member organisation.
Members of licensed organisations will already have achieved some or all of these requirements. Members of non-UK engineering organisations, or people who hold qualifications recognised by them, may also have achieved some of the requirements.
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. Even if your qualifications are not immediately acceptable, 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 or EngTech) 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.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is the fastest-growing professional engineering institution in the UK, and has around 80,000 members worldwide. It only admits people who are CEng or IEng.
- Affiliates have an interest in mechanical engineering, and include undergraduate students and apprentices.
- Associate Members are engineering degree graduates.
- Members meet academic requirements and competences for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) 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 engineering and engineer surveying; the SOE has more than 18,000 individual and corporate members.
- Associate Members have a good basic level of relevant academic or training qualifications and engineering experience, and may also achieve registration as EngTech.
- Members have a balance of academic qualifications or training, with extensive experience. Generally eligible for registration at IEng level.
- Fellows 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 at 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:
- Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
- Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE)
- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
- 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 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, with students having many options as they leave university, so employers are using the Internet and a variety of other channels. Recruitment fairs offer an excellent opportunity to meet prospective employers. Visitors can get a feel for the company ethos and have the chance to make a good impression, 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).
Further information
Engineering Council UK, 246 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EX Tel: 020 3206 0500 Website: www.engc.org.uk
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Tel: 020 7222 7899 Website: www.imeche.org
Society of Operations Engineers, 22 Greencoat Place, London SW1P 1PR Tel: 020 7630 1111 Website: www.soe.org.uk
The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2AY Tel: 01438 313 311 Website: www.theiet.org
Royal Aeronautical Society, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ Tel: 020 7670 4300 Website: www.raes.org.uk
Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Barton Road, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4FH Tel: 01525 861096 Website: www.iagre.org
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ Tel: 020 7382 2600 Website: www.imarest.org
TWI Ltd, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AL Tel: 01223 899000 Website: www.twi.co.uk
SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies), 14 Upton Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0JT Tel: 01923 238441 Website: www.semta.org.uk
