The UK remains a global engineering giant despite its diminutive size, and more than four and a half million people are employed in the engineering industry. Though the recession has hit all industries hard, the manufacturing and engineering sector is showing strong signs of growth and there is a real demand for new graduates to join the industry.

The UK needs more than 13,000 new mechanical, automotive and aerospace engineers each year to maintain its current growth so there are plenty of jobs for the right candidates.

Mechanical engineers design and develop technology, products and materials that improve processes and solve problems. They are often also involved in testing and installation. As many industries rely on mechanical systems, this area of engineering is one of the most diverse and offers opportunities to work in most industries, including energy, construction and manufacturing. Mechanical engineers can work on everything from devising methods for reducing emissions from energy plants, such as carbon capture and storage, to designing robotic automation systems or new medical devices that could save lives.

If you are interested in mechanical engineering, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is a good source of guidance and information, and it also offers educational and development grants.

Mechanical engineers are usually office based but are often required to visit building sites, workshops or factory floors depending on the type of work. Working extra hours is fairly common in this industry, although shift and weekend work is rare.