Tell me about it
Manufacturing engineers (sometimes known as production engineers) are concerned with all stages of the conversion of raw materials into usable products either for the general public or for other industries. In some instances, the job is very similar to that of a mechanical engineer but more concerned with broad manufacturing technology.

The work involves overseeing the production processes and systems involved in making any sort of manufactured goods, perhaps using robotics or other computer driven equipment. Manufacturing engineers could be mainly concerned with designing, testing and maintaining the equipment itself or with the design and layout of the plant in a factory. In order to present products to the marketplace at the time, price and quality that the customer expects, they need a wide range of knowledge and skills, from product design, marketing and accounting to management, economics and finance.

Experienced manufacturing engineers usually achieve either incorporated or chartered status. Broadly speaking, incorporated engineers specialise in applying modern technology, while chartered engineers focus more on research and development or manufacture and installation.

Entry level
Although it is possible to begin training for craft or technician level jobs straight from school with good GCSEs/S grades in English, maths and science, the normal way to train as a professional engineer is to study full time at university or college for a first degree. Entry is with at least two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications, plus five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). At many universities, you can take a one-year foundation course if you don't have the necessary background in science and maths.

Graduate apprenticeships in engineering may be available in England, bringing together study at degree or diploma level with structured work-based learning.

Making the grade
To qualify as an incorporated manufacturing engineer, you should, having successfully completed an accredited three-year BEng degree or equivalent qualification, undertake a period of initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience. You would then have to pass a professional review, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.

To qualify as a chartered manufacturing engineer, you must have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification, complete a period of initial professional development, which includes training and professional engineering experience, and pass a professional review with an interview, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Personal qualities
As a manufacturing engineer, you would need the ability to learn and develop the multidisciplinary knowledge, competencies and skills relevant to manufacturing so that, on graduation, you would be able to undertake the diverse range of management functions found in industry. You would be involved with the application of computer technologies to integrate management and processes, requiring advanced IT skills, and you could find foreign language skills useful.

You might find yourself giving or taking orders, liaising with others and co-ordinating the work of fellow team members. In addition, you may need to give presentations to senior staff, to explain your ideas and discuss plans with people who do not always have your technical knowledge.

Looking ahead
High quality manufacturing engineers are in great demand, and you would be entering a profession where your skills, knowledge and competencies would be sought by manufacturing companies in the UK and abroad.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include automobile engineer, chemical engineer, civil engineer, electrical/electronics engineer, marine engineer, mechanical engineer or mining engineer.

Take-home pay
You are likely to earn around £18,000 to £25,000 when you first start work after graduating but this has the potential to rise sharply as you gain experience. Once you are chartered, your salary is likely to rise considerably and should range from £35,000 to £50,000. Average earnings for incorporated engineers are around £40,000.

Effects
Whilst you may have specific hours of work you are also likely to be asked to work overtime on occasion, when there is a deadline to meet or a problem with production. Some production lines run continuously, so you may be required to be on call when problems arise.

Sources of information
Institution of Mechanical Engineers: www.imeche.org.uk
Engineering Council UK: www.engc.org.uk
Engineering Careers Information Service: www.enginuity.org.uk

CRCI: G