Mechanical Engineer
Designs and tests machines, engines and mechanical systems.
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- Typical pay
- €28k–€58k
- Usual education
- Degree
- Outlook
- Broad and portable — manufacturing, energy, mobility and HVAC all hire mechanical engineers.
A day in the life
CAD modelling in the morning, a test rig session after lunch, then writing up results.
Ways in
- Mechanical engineering degree
- Industrial apprenticeship then degree
- Company graduate programme
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Italy
Liceo scientifico
Netherlands
Profiel Natuur & Techniek
Exams you'll need
The gates between you and this job, and when each one comes.
EBAU / Selectividad
University-access exam grades decide which engineering school you can enter — maths and physics weight heavily.
Usually neededTOLC-I (ingegneria)
Sat before enrolling on an Italian engineering course.
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
ITS Diploma in Mechatronics
Two-year Italian technical diploma with around 800 hours inside a manufacturing company.
Shorter technical route into design and maintenance roles.
Helpful school subjects: Automation, Robotics, Industry 4.0
BEng Mechanical Engineering
Machines, thermodynamics and manufacturing — the broadest engineering degree.
The broadest engineering degree — keeps most doors open.
Helpful school subjects: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing, CAD