The recent unemployment figures released by the government provided a little bit of encouraging news. Even though the jobless total went up in the three months to August, it seems the rate is slowing down with some predicting the recession may be at an end.

However, it is still important for job seekers to increase their marketability in a competitive world to ensure they stand out from the crowd. This is the case in any job sector and not least for graduates seeking mechanical engineering jobs.

Graduates seeking jobs, and indeed established mechanical engineers eager to climb the career ladder, have to consider improving their career prospects by keeping abreast of current cutting edge technology. One way of doing this is by taking a postgraduate course in engineering.

In recent years the number of engineering graduates taking a second degree has been growing, as they seek either to improve their prospects of getting a job, or indeed just want to specialise in another field of engineering. This can apply to graduates in any field as having specialist knowledge of not just one, but two subjects could be invaluable.

Admittedly some companies give more credence to relevant experience than higher qualifications, and therefore pay little attention to second degrees. However, many now endorse having a postgraduate degree as a way to climb the responsibility ladder, due in part to ever changing technology and the global nature of the employment market.

An improved education not only provides a new set of skills, but also shows any prospective employers willingness on the part of the graduate to adapt and work hard. Coupled with language skills, this would also improve prospects of earning lucrative mechanical engineering jobs overseas.