Job market information
Finding out about mechanical equipment manufacturing
The mechanical equipment manufacturing industry is part of the engineering manufacturing, science and mathematics sector, represented by Semta Sector Skills Council. This sector also includes the following industries: automotive manufacture; electronics and electrical equipment manufacture; metals; transport equipment manufacture, including marine and aerospace; and science. Across the sector as a whole, the workforce comprises approximately 2 million people, working across around 75,000 companies. UK engineering and science turnover is over £250 billion. British engineering exports amount to 37% of total UK exports of goods and services. The UK is Europe’s top location for investment in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development.
The UK mechanical equipment manufacturing industry includes companies involved in the manufacture of:
- turbines( such as jet aircraft engines)
- gears and compressors (known as machinery for the production and use of mechanical power)
- machine tools (like lathes and milling machines used in factories and tool rooms)
- weapons and ammunition
- domestic appliances (such as washing machines)
The industry is made up of many Small and Medium Sized Employers (SMEs), each employing less than 250 people. The industry is important as some parts are an essential part of supply chains, for subcontractors in the aerospace, automotive and shipbuilding sectors.
Key facts:
- There are an estimated 270,900 people employed in the mechanical equipment manufacturing industry, across 13,770 workplaces in Great Britain.
- The greatest concentrations of employment in the mechanical equipment industry are in the West Midlands, South East and East of England.
- 91% of the workforce is full‐time.
- In engineering, an estimated 6% of the workforce is self‐employed.
Jobs in the industry range from: manufacturing production manager, design engineer, mechanical engineer, production engineer, quality control inspector, engineering maintenance technician, engineering craft machinist, fitter, sheet metal worker, welder, labourers in process and plant operations.
Entry and progression
Within the mechanical equipment manufacturing industry, there are opportunities in labouring and machine operator jobs, as well as job roles on the production line fitting components to products (such as turbines or mechanical engine components) as they are assembled.
There is a range of relevant industry endorsed courses (at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level), apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and training schemes available. Entry requirements vary considerably in the industry. The following gives an overview of some of the qualifications required at different levels:
- Managers and senior officials – Often have a degree in an engineering discipline; or in a management or production management subject; or a higher national certificate/diploma (HNC/HND) combined with work experience, such as having completed an advanced apprenticeship.
- Professionals – Most would usually have a degree in an engineering specific discipline or a subject physical science, such as physics or chemistry. Specific levels of study and experience would be required for professional engineers seeking to become a chartered or incorporated engineer.
- Associate professional and technical occupations – Most enter through Advanced Apprenticeships, which require GCSEs. Most technician apprentices study for Level 3 qualifications. Specific levels of experience and study would be required by those seeking professional registration as engineering technicians.
- Administrative and secretarial occupations – There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role although mathematics, English and IT skills are advantageous.
- Skilled trades occupations – Most enter through Advanced Apprenticeships, which require GCSEs. Many will have work‐based competencies to Level 3 and have gained the relevant vocational qualifications.
- Process, plant and machine operatives – Some employees enter through Apprenticeships or equivalent qualifications. Some working in specialised jobs may have work‐based competencies to Level 2 and have gained the relevant vocational qualifications.
- Elementary occupations – There are often no formal academic qualifications required to work in this role although mathematics, English and IT skills are advantageous. Some labourers may be qualified to drive a fork‐lift truck, use lifting equipment or hold health and safety certificates.
There are a wide range of opportunities at levels for those wishing to change career direction and enter the industry. At the craft, technician, professional and management occupational levels, there are opportunities for people who hold relevant degrees, Further Education qualifications or other industry recognised certificates and who have work experience in an engineering environment.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
270,900 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
313,770 |
|---|
| Gender: |
19% of the UK engineering workforce across all occupations is female, including assembly type occupations, office staff and sales and marketing |
|---|
| 17% of all engineering management roles are occupied by women |
| 7% of professional roles are occupied by women |
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry, 2007 and Census, 2001.]
Employment trends and future prospects
In the UK, some companies have outsourced assembly and manufacturing processes to sites outside of the UK, reducing the number of jobs available to assembly and craft skilled workers. However, much high level development and specialist manufacture is still carried out by companies across the UK. Due to the recent economic climate, it is not possible to predict the long term figures for company requirements for numbers of employees, but many companies are trying to reduce costs without closing their businesses.
There will be a replacement demand for operator and assembly jobs as people retire, but there is likely to be a decrease overall in people employed in these occupations in the mechanical equipment industry. Whilst formal qualifications are not always required for these roles, transferable skills, such as team working, an ability to follow diagrams and instructions, basic mathematical understanding and practical skills, are all relevant to those wishing to transfer to these occupations.
Skill requirements and shortages
All sectors in the economy face major skill challenges as the nature of work alters and global competition intensifies. The pace of change is likely to be particularly rapid within most parts of the engineering industry. Employees with no qualifications are likely to face particular challenges.
The ageing of the current workforce is a concern for many employers. Because many skilled and experienced workers are approaching retirement age, there will be a need to replace them with other skilled craft, technical and professional workers.
The main skills gaps for the mechanical equipment manufacture industry are:
- CNC Machine Operation
- Tool setting
- Welding skills
- General engineering skills
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Occupational trends
Occupations crucial for the future across the whole sector include:
- Design engineers
- Electronic engineers
- Production engineers
- Technicians – equipment, process and product
- Maintenance
- Toolmaking
- Prototyping
The following will affect new and emerging jobs:
- Legislation and commitments to invest in research into low carbon technologies means there are new opportunities for the industry. The development and use of new alloys and composite materials that are light and incredibly strong for use in, for example, the manufacture of turbine blades in both wind turbines and jet engines are likely to be at the research and development stage already.
- Machine tools that can produce fast prototype components from a computer based drawing are used already and large manufacturing plants are moving towards the use of more robotic and computer controlled assembly and production systems.
- There are developments in the design and manufacturing processes to make material and energy use more efficient, minimise waste and reduce the time taken to get a new product from the idea stage to manufacture and sales.
- There are likely to be roles for people who know how to recycle a product at the end of its life, as well as being able to design products and manufacturing processes that minimise waste in the materials used in making the vehicle or its components.
Overall, graduates in the future will need multi‐disciplinary understanding of both mechanical and electronic systems.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 25,400 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,400 companies. There is a total requirement of 5,720 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; Materials Requirement Planning (MRP); assembly line/production robotics; tool setting; general engineering skills; mechanical engineering; and multi‐skills. 20% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment, aerospace and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Derby City, Leicester City, South Derbyshire, Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth and Ashfield.
East of England – There are an estimated 31,100 employees in the regional workforce, in 1,500 companies. There is a total requirement of 6,910 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; tool setting; Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM); assembly line/production robotics; welding skills; craft skills; electronics; fabrication; and toolmakers. 17% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics and metal products. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire, Luton and Basildon.
London – There are an estimated 8,500 employees in the regional workforce, in 740 companies. There is a total requirement of 1,550 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM). 11% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics and metal products. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Barking and Dagenham, Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow.
North East – There are an estimated 15,800 employees in the regional workforce, in 500 companies. There is a total requirement of 2,280 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: welding skills. 23% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, metal products and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and Sedgefield.
North West – There are an estimated 31,200 employees in the regional workforce, in 1,540 companies. There is a total requirement of 6,410 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; tool setting; Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM); assembly line/production robotics; welding skills; mechanical engineering; general machining; mechanical fitters; and turners. 18% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment and aerospace. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Fylde, Knowsley, Crewe and Nantwich, Stockport, Oldham and Preston.
South East – There are an estimated 34,900 employees in the regional workforce, in 1,900 companies. There is a total requirement of 6,370 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; general engineering skills; assembly line/production robotics; tool setting; welding skills; metal workers; general machining; tool makers; and carpentry/woodwork. 14% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around West Berkshire, Basingstoke and Deane, Milton Keynes, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, Crawley and Medway.
South West – There are an estimated 26,200 employees in the regional workforce, in just under 1,250 companies. There is a total requirement of 5,280 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; Computer Aided Engineering (CAE); Materials Requirement Planning (MRP); mechanical engineering; and general machining. 23% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are mechanical equipment, electronics and metal products. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, South Somerset, Poole and Plymouth.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 41,200 employees in the regional workforce, in just under 2,030 companies. There is a total requirement of 6,250 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: tool setting; CNC machine operation; electrical engineering; Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11); and manufacturing. 16% of the workforce is employed as metal working production and maintenance fitters. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Coventry, Dudley and Telford and Wrekin.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 26,200 employees in the regional workforce, in just over 1,430 companies. There is a total requirement of 5,440 employees needed in the region between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: general engineering skills; Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM); Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11); CNC machine operation; and mechanical engineering. 18% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are metal products, mechanical equipment and automotive. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Rotherham and Kingston upon Hull.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 7,000 employees in the workforce. There is a total requirement of 270 employees needed per year between 2005 and 2014. 16% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. Skills gaps include: welding; CNC machine operations; mechanical engineering skills; metalworking; and electrical engineering skills. The largest industries in terms of employment are electrical and electronics industry and the metals industry.
Scotland – There are an estimated 19,900 employees in the workforce, in just under 930 companies. There is a total requirement of 2,680 employees needed between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: Computer Aided design (CAD); general engineering skills; Materials Requirement Planning (MRP11); CNC machine operation; electronics; mechanical engineering; plating; and multi‐skills. 17% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are electronics, metal products and mechanical equipment. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around the City of Glasgow, Fife, South Lanarkshire, the City of Aberdeen, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
Wales – There are an estimated 10,500 employees in the workforce, in 530 companies. There is a total requirement of 1,350 employees needed between 2007 and 2014. Skills gaps in the region include: CNC machine operation; Computer Aided design (CAD); toolmakers; Materials Requirement Planning (MRP); tool setting; and welding skills. 14% of the workforce is employed as metal machining setters and setter operators. The largest industries in terms of employment are automotive, basic metals, mechanical equipment and aerospace. Engineering employment is geographically concentrated around Flintshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda, Cynon and Taff, Bridgend and Wrexham.
[N.B. Data derived from Annual Business Inquiry, 2007, Census, 2001, and Northern Ireland Census of Employment, 2007.]
Salary levels
Pay scales in this industry vary depending on individual experience, level of responsibility and location of job. So, the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries of the current workforce:
- Manufacturing Production Manager – starting salary for new graduates or those new to the role is around £19,000 to £23,000. An experienced production manager can earn around £38,500. Some managers with high levels of responsibility earn more than £56,000 a year.
- Design Engineer – starting salaries for graduates are between £18,000 and £21,000. Experienced design engineers can earn on average around £35,000 or more, depending on their professional status. Senior design engineers can earn around £45,000 or more.
- Mechanical Engineer – starting salaries for graduates are between £18,000 and £21,000. Experienced mechanical engineers can earn on average around £38,000 or more, depending on their professional status and experience. Chartered mechanical engineers in senior roles can earn over £44,000.
- Mechanical Engineering Technician – starting salary for an individual in training may be around £15,000. An experienced technician earns around £30,000. The most experienced technicians with high levels of responsibility can earn over £38,000.
- Engineering Maintenance Fitter – starting salaries range from £15,500 to £17,500, with first year craft apprentices starting between £8,000 and £10,000. The average pay for a fitter is around £27,000. Highly‐skilled and experienced fitters can earn over £40,000.
- Toolmaker – starting salaries range from £15,500 to £17,500, with first year craft apprentices starting between £8,000 and £10,000. An experienced toolmaker earns around £25,000. Highly skilled toolmakers with management responsibilities can earn over £38,000.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using SEMTA AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
