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How to become a mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers design, build, test and improve machines and moving parts — from engines and medical devices to production lines and power plants.

You could work in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, defence, rail or consultancy.

You could start through a university degree, a degree apprenticeship or a technician apprenticeship. Professional registration (CEng, IEng or EngTech) is optional but valued by many employers.

  • Multiple routes
  • Earn while learning possible
  • Protected titles: CEng, IEng, EngTech

3 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AUniversity

    Accredited mechanical engineering degree, then work towards chartered status

    For those who want to study mechanical engineering at university first, with the option of a placement year, graduate schemes and a direct academic route towards Chartered Engineer.

    Starting requirements

    • Universities set their own entry requirements; the National Careers Service says a degree usually needs 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent, including maths and a science
    • Check that the course is accredited if you want the most direct route to CEng or IEng
    • After graduating, a graduate engineer job or graduate scheme

    Pathway outline

    1. Study an accredited mechanical engineering degree (BEng, or an integrated MEng)
    2. Look for a placement year or summer work experience
    3. Apply for a graduate engineer job or graduate scheme
    4. Join a licensed institution such as IMechE (free for undergraduate students) and build your experience against UK-SPEC
    5. Apply for IEng or CEng when your institution agrees you are ready
    Estimated duration
    3 years for a BEng (4 for an integrated MEng), then work-based development
    How we estimate this

    A typical full-time bachelor's degree in England takes 3 years. The Engineering Council does not set a fixed time from graduating to CEng or IEng — it depends on your experience.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £29,370Paid up front by you: £0Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually after graduating, although many students take a paid placement year or part-time work.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BApprenticeship

    Engineering degree apprenticeship (Level 6)

    For those who want to earn a wage and gain an engineering degree at the same time, with training paid for by the employer and government.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own entry requirements
    • The National Careers Service says degree apprenticeships usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A levels, or equivalent
    • Vacancies are competitive and availability varies by region

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Level 6 engineering degree apprenticeship, such as Manufacturing engineer or Electro-mechanical engineer
    2. Work and study; your employer and the government pay for the training
    3. Complete the degree and the end-point assessment
    4. You could apply for IEng, or build towards CEng with further learning
    Estimated duration
    3½ to 5 years
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Manufacturing engineer (degree) at 42 months and Electro-mechanical engineer at 60 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £27,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CApprenticeship

    Engineering technician apprenticeship (Level 3), then step up

    For those who want to start hands-on after GCSEs, become a qualified technician and move towards engineer roles over time.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own entry requirements
    • At least 20% of your normal working hours is off-the-job training
    • Vacancies are competitive and availability varies by region

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Level 3 Engineering technician apprenticeship
    2. Work and train; your employer and the government pay for the training
    3. Complete the end-point assessment and work as a technician
    4. You could apply for EngTech registration
    5. You could study further (for example an HNC or degree) and move into engineer roles
    Estimated duration
    About 3½ years to technician level; longer to engineer roles
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Engineering technician (level 3) at 42 months. Moving from technician to engineer depends on further study and experience.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £26,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Related careers — not the same as a mechanical engineer

Each of these is a separate career with its own entry rules.

  • Mechanical engineering technician

    Technicians install, test and repair machinery and parts, often after a Level 3 apprenticeship. It is a career in its own right and a common step towards engineer roles.

    National Careers Service guide: £27,000 (starter) to £47,000 (experienced), England.

    Official guidance (opens in a new tab)Qualification details

Questions people ask

Do I need a degree to become a mechanical engineer?

Not always. You could take a degree apprenticeship, which gives you a degree while you work, or start as a technician through a Level 3 apprenticeship and study further later. Many engineer jobs ask for a degree or equivalent, but requirements vary by employer.

Do I need to be chartered (CEng)?

No. CEng is a protected professional title, not a licence to work. Some employers value it or support you towards it, especially for senior roles.

What is the difference between EngTech, IEng and CEng?

They are three levels of Engineering Council registration. EngTech recognises technicians, IEng recognises engineers who apply existing technology, and CEng recognises engineers who develop new solutions and lead. Each is assessed on your competence by a licensed institution.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

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