Professional development and training in engineering

You may find it easier to climb the career ladder in this sector with the help of extra qualifications or training

Do I need to do postgraduate study?

A postgraduate qualification is not usually essential for entry into an engineering or manufacturing job. However, further studies and professional training can be highly sought after for certain jobs in certain fields, and can help you progress to the next level.

• Engineering - To study to become a chartered engineer you need to have a Masters (MEng) or doctorate (EngD), which is accredited by a licensed professional body such as the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMECH) or Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). Alternatively, you need appropriate further learning to Masters level, or an accredited integrated MEng degree.
 
• Manufacturing - If you are looking to enter a design or research and development job in manufacturing, a Masters or a PhD is useful and sometimes essential. Many of the more specialised engineering and science roles in the industry require Masters or PhD.

For more information on entry requirements and career development in the engineering and manufacturing sector, see types of jobs.

To find postgraduate engineering and manufacturing courses in the UK, search courses and research.

Should I join a professional body?

In this sector joining a professional body is not necessarily obligatory to gain a job, but it is if you want to be assessed for registration as a chartered engineer (CEng), incorporated engineer (IEng), engineering technician (EngTech) or information and communication technology technician (ICTTech).

Other benefits of membership of a professional body include:

• networking;
• access to professional qualifications;
• latest industry news;
• training events.

To progress in a career in engineering or manufacturing there are other training opportunities available through the professional bodies that will help graduates to move up the ladder and become leaders/managers at more senior levels.

Which professional qualifications are recognised in the engineering sector?

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)  - a registered professional body with the Engineering Council UK for civil engineering. Membership offers a number of professional development courses that can help you to continue building on your skills.
• Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)  - the professional body for chemical engineering provides numerous training opportunities - both in person and online - focused on a range of specialist topics.
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)  - membership or accreditation with the professional body for mechanical engineering allows access to a range of training courses, covering business and management, as well as technical subjects.
• Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST)  - the only professional body which covers all aspects of food technology in the UK, they offer an accreditation scheme to become a chartered scientist.
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)  - This organisation offers a membership option called IET Advantage, which is for those who graduated within five years. It helps them to become registered as IEng or CEng.