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Mechanical Engineering Technician

The Work
Mechanical engineering involves designing, constructing and operating machines. It is concerned with all the parts of machinery that move. A mechanical engineering technician could work in one of many areas of industry:

manufacturing - making engine components, textile machinery or aircraft parts
processing - designing, making and operating industrial plant
services - railways, steel, coal and power
government - defence installations and scientific work
the armed forces - bridge construction, armoured vehicle operation.

Mechanical engineering technicians usually work with chartered or incorporated mechanical engineers, as part of a project team, with other engineering technicians. They need a broad knowledge of other disciplines such as electronics and electrical engineering.

There are a range of areas technicians can choose to specialise in:

working as production planners, purchasers, estimators, quality inspectors or after-sales service in manufacturing
in research and development, making and testing new products and components
in design, preparing detailed drawings for manufacturing and assembly
in chemical and other process industries, supervising or solving problems on process production lines
in maintenance, rectifying faults in manufacturing equipment and machinery.

Hours and Conditions
Mechanical engineering technicians work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, however, they may have to work overtime or shifts if the work relates closely to production.

The work environments range from quiet, modern, open-plan offices, to factory production areas, which may be very noisy. Depending on the job, some work may be on outdoor sites. Work can involve travel and short periods away from home. Protective clothing is usually provided where necessary.

Skills and Interests
To be a mechanical engineering technician, you should:

have good practical skills for handling tools and instruments
have good numeracy skills
have good communication and organisational skills
have computer skills
understand engineering drawings and principles
have problem-solving skills
be a good team worker, but with a degree of initiative
have normal colour vision.

Training
Theoretical training may be delivered by day or block release study at college. With workplace assessments, this can lead to NVQ / SVQ level 3. You will probably also study for a BTEC national certificate or diploma, or an SQA national certificate group award, or City & Guilds certificate, or vocational A level / GSVQ Level III.

You can work towards BTEC HNC / HNDs in the engineering disciplines. The Engineering Council has a searchable database of relevant training courses around the country. See contacts below.

Mechanical engineering technicians should aim to get the qualification EngTech. To achieve this you must register formally with the Engineering Council as an engineering technician, and you will need:

an appropriate qualification such as an NVQ / SVQ level 3, vocational A level / GSVQ Level III, BTEC national certificate or diploma, or an SQA national certificate group award
at least three years' initial professional development, including suitable further training and responsible work experience
to be a member of a relevant professional institution
to take a final test called a professional review.

Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:

MAPPs (England)
Skillseekers (Scotland)
National Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs (Northern Ireland)

Opportunities
There are opportunities for mechanical engineering technicians across a wide range of industries. Employers include local and central government departments, the armed services, manufacturers in all industries, research and development companies, IT companies, and public utilities such as water, gas, and electricity. There are also opportunities with manufacturers in materials development and design, marketing, selling and customer support.

Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants start at around £14,000 a year.

Experienced technicians average about £25,000+ a year.

Senior technicians may earn over £30,000+ a year.

Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Tel: 020 7222 7899
www.imeche.org.uk

Engineering Council
Tel: 020 7240 7891
www.engc.org.uk

SEMTA (Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)
Tel: 0808 100 3682
www.semta.org.uk

Institution of Incorporated Engineers
Tel: 020 7836 3357
www.iie.org.uk