Hello,

Any advice here would be appreciated.

I have a Mechanical Engineering qualification, but hope to study towards a Robotics degree in about 2 years time. In between that time I would like to work as a trainee robotics engineer preferably within mobile robotics.

Although I've worked in industry in the UK, my jobs have been unrelated to the skills I want to develop namely with motion control and feedback, programming and mechatronic systems design.  How can I get such a position which will enable to develop these skills as I work, even though I've had no prior experience?

You really need to get in touch with a robot manufacturer but the chances are you will not find work in UK for this type of development.
Try any robotics company, the software departments would be more than helpful if you explain what you want. You will find that most companies are always looking at 10yrs development in adavnced so this is the best place to learn.
But be warned, some of them obviously get you to sign secrets acts first, there is a lot of competition out there.
try..
www.igm.at/
www.comau.com/
www.abb.com/

Get an electric E-degree with programming (C++,LISP etc.)
more math, control theory and read a lot...

<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>

Search google using "masters engineering robotics"

If your gpa <3.0 as an undergrad there are options but the costs (entrance $)seem quite a bit higher.

There is usally a demand for integration engineers for small users (1-4) robots that not many people want to do.  Just a thought.

Barry1961