Manufacturing Engineering Skills and Certifications (UK References)

# Manufacturing Engineering Skills and Certifications (UK)

Hiring managers look for two things: measurable outcomes and capabilities that travel between products and factories. Below are the skills groups that repeatedly show up in job descriptions—and help you progress faster.

## Core technical skills
- CAD & drawings: SolidWorks/Inventor/CATIA; GD&T; DFMA
- Process excellence: Lean/CI (5S, kaizen, VSM); line balance; SMED/changeover
- Quality & statistics: PFMEA/DFMEA; Control Plans; SPC; capability; MSA
- Materials & processes: machining, assembly, joining, test—relevant to your domain

## Data and digital
- Read signals from MES; basic SQL/BI dashboards for loss analysis
- Use sensors/vision data to diagnose constraints and verify improvements

## Communication & documentation
- Clear work instructions and training materials
- A3s with before/after data; succinct updates for leadership

## Professional registration (UK)
- IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology): https://www.theiet.org/
- Pathways: EngTech / IEng / CEng
- Why it helps: recognised standard of competence and commitment; supports progression and mobility between sectors

## References
- The IET — professional registration and career resources: https://www.theiet.org/career/
- Prospects — skills and routes for specific engineering roles: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/