Mechanical engineering technician
Mechanical engineering technicians design, install and repair industrial machines and parts.
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
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.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
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
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
You can apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:
- Engineering Technician
- Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician
These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with learning off site.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Further information
You'll find more details about careers and training through the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.