Compare STEM careers
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| Engineering maintenance technician | Mechanical Engineer | |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. starting salary | £27,000 | £26,000–£34,000 |
| Degree requirement | Not usually required | Often useful but not essential |
| Typical route | GCSE, A levels, T Levels, Apprenticeship, Other routes | A levels, T Levels, Apprenticeship, Degree |
| Work environment | Workshop, Outdoors, Mixed | Office, Workshop, Mixed |
| People interaction | Less so | Less so |
| Hands-on work | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Less so | Less so |
| Career progression | You could take the Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to become a senior technician. Further training can lead to maintenance engineering in mechanical, electrical or building services work, or into team management and technical sales. | You could become a chartered engineer, specialist, team lead or engineering manager. |
Salary figures are approximate guidance only.
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