Career spotlight
Mechanical engineers
Average National Salaries (2020)
Age 20
£18,200
Age 35
£45,240
Age 50
£54,600
Average salary in the East Midlands: £49,920
What does this career do?
Mechanical engineers undertake research and design, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, aircraft, vehicle and ships’ structures, building services and other mechanical items.
Typical tasks
- undertakes research and advises on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls
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determines materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture
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designs mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles, aeroplanes and other machinery
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ensures that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards
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organises and establishes control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.
Current entry requirements
Mechanical engineers usually possess an accredited university degree. After qualifying, periods of appropriate training and experience are required before membership of a chartered engineering institution is attainable. Incorporated engineers possess an accredited university degree, BTEC/SQA award or an apprenticeship leading to an NVQ/SVQ at Level 4, followed by periods of training and relevant experience.
Percentage in work
Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.
Predicted employment status in 2022
Part-time
Self Employed
Full-time
Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands
Career related courses available at West Notts
About the statistics
Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.