MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PLACEMENTS

Can you do a placement in mechanical engineering?

Yes! A mechanical engineering placement is a brilliant opportunity to spend up to an entire year in full-time employment before you enter the rat race. It’s a real job that pays a real salary, usually taking place in-between your second and final year of university.

In turn, you’ll be relied upon to deliver projects that have an impact on the world around you.

This experience will give you the soft skills, technical knowledge and worldly wisdom you need to take on the graduate job market confidently.

If you can’t commit to a full year of work, you should definitely look into doing an engineering internship instead.

Why should I do a placement?

Mechanical engineers are in DEMAND. Like unbelievably so. It’s such an amazing career and it’s an industry that needs work experience.

By doing a placement, you will not only stand out against your peers with your new experience, you will have been able to network within the industry, possibly giving you chances to further your career. Something your peers won’t have.

Here’s what a placement student said about their time with BAE Systems:

What do you do during a placement in mechanical engineering?

During a placement in mechanical engineering, you’ll work alongside professional engineers on real-world projects. What you do can vary depending on the company and the specific area of mechanical engineering you choose, but here are some typical tasks and responsibilities:

• Design and CAD work. You may help create or modify technical drawings and 3D models using software like SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD, or Fusion 360.

• Testing and prototyping. Many placements involve building or testing prototypes, running simulations, and collecting performance data to support design decisions.

• Research and development (R&D). You might assist in researching materials, manufacturing processes, or new technologies to improve products or systems.

• Maintenance and troubleshooting. In some placements, especially in manufacturing or plant settings, you’ll help diagnose and fix mechanical issues, learning how systems operate and how to keep them running efficiently.

• Project support. You’ll likely support engineers on larger projects, helping with documentation, scheduling, risk assessments, or technical reporting.

• Site visits and team meetings. You may attend site inspections or join cross-functional meetings to see how mechanical engineering fits into broader projects.

Overall, it’s a chance to apply your classroom learning in a real-world environment, develop technical and soft skills, and gain insight into the wide range of career options within mechanical engineering.

How much do mechanical placement students earn?

Based on the thousands of reviews on Higherin, the average salary for students undertaking work experience in the engineering sector is £18,000 a year. You’ll also receive the same benefits as other employees, such as sick pay and paid holidays.

Mechanical engineers tend to bring home a considerably higher wage than the average Joe, and rightly so. Once you secure a graduate role, you can expect to start on an average salary of around £31,000.

It takes hard work, commitment and a high level of skill to get to the top, but if you do, there is the potential to earn upwards of £70,000 a year.

If you become a chartered mechanical engineer, your overall job prospects will widen, leading to future increases in pay. Most companies will help with the coursework and sponsor your application. So it’s something to consider.

How to apply for a mechanical engineering placement

You can apply for one in two simple steps:

1. Research

   Decide what you want out of your placement and find an opportunity that aligns with that. We have plenty of opportunities here at Higherin, so make sure to check that out.

2. Prepare your application

   This is crucial for getting through the multiple stages of the application process. Normally, you will be asked for a placement CV and a cover letter. Make sure these are tailored to the job role and company you are applying for. You will also need to prepare for an interview and likely psychometric tests, so make sure you’re prepared. We've got advice on the best questions to ask at an interview.