Mechanical Engineering

There is no typical mechanical engineer and no typical mechanical engineering job. However, this area is to do with 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.

Nowadays 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 people 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, with other courses at universities and colleges being more popular with students. Employment opportunities are therefore very good for the right person 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

Engineering Council UK

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. ECUK is the engineering profession’s lead body and it 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.

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 interpersonal skills.

2. Incorporated Engineers (IEng) use today’s technology through creativity and innovation. To this end, they 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) 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, operation and maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services, applying safe systems of work.

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. Costs vary between £50 and £400.

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 website.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) only admits people who are CEng or IEng, and has around 75,000 members worldwide.

• Affiliates are working towards engineering qualifications or have an interest in mechanical engineering.
• 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 members in a position of senior responsibility.

Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) members are involved in road transport, plant engineering and engineer surveying. The Society has 18,000 individual and corporate members.

• Students are studying or training in engineering.
• Graduates have qualified in a relevant discipline but require further training and experience.
• Associates are working in an engineering-related occupation.
• Associate Members have a good basic level of relevant academic or training qualifications and engineering experience. May also achieve registration as EngTech.
• Members have a balance of academic qualifications or training, with extensive experience. Generally achieve registration at IEng level.
• Fellows are senior engineers with high academic achievement or many years of training, and extensive experience. Generally achieve registration at CEng level.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) admits people with CEng, IEng and EngTech status, and has around 150,000 members.

• Technician Members can demonstrate by their education and/or experience that they are professionally engaged in one of the many technology fields within the scope of the Institution.
• Members are professional engineers and graduate professionals who are engaged in one of the many technology fields within the scope of the Institution or are established professionals with knowledge based on experience.
• Members without post-nominals do not meet the requirements for membership with post-nominals or are interested in being a Member without them. They can always apply for post-nominals in the future.
• Fellows have significant individual responsibility, sustained achievement and professionalism in areas relevant to the interests of the Institution.
• Students are undergoing a programme of study in a science-, engineering- or technology-related field, and intend to satisfy the requirements for the category of Member with post-nominals.

Other professional bodies include:

• Royal Aeronautical Society
• Institution of Agricultural Engineers
• Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
• TWI Ltd (The Welding Institute).

SEMTA (Science, Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) is the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies. It cover some 100,000 companies employing 2,500,000 people, providing up to 10 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) (£74 billion) every year. It is working to transform mechanical engineering skills and those in other relevant disciplines in order to:

• improve productivity, business and public service performance
  reduce skills gaps and shortages, and anticipate future needs
  increase opportunities to boost the skills and productivity of everyone in the sector
  improve learning supply, including apprenticeships, higher education and national occupational standards.
  

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).

Contact details

Engineering Council UK, 10 Maltravers Street, London WC2R 3ER Tel: 020 7240 7891 Website: www.engc.org.uk

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

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, Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL Tel: 020 7240 1871 Website: www.theiet.org

Royal Aeronautical Society, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ Tel: 020 7670 4300 Website: www.aerosociety.com

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 CB1 6AL Tel: 01223 899000 Website: www.twi.co.uk

Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA), 14 Upton Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0JT Tel: 01923 238441 Website: www.semta.org.uk