3D printing technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in a subject like:

• 3D design
• product design
• engineering
• materials science

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take a course in creative design, model making or engineering to help you to find a job.

Specific courses you could take to become a 3D printing technician include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Computer Aided Design
• Level 3 Award in 3D Computer Aided Design
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology
• T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships you could take to become a 3D printing technician include:

• Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Digital Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to start as an assistant in a 3D printing workshop and train on the job to become a technician.

You'll find it helpful if you have some experience in manufacturing, model making, printing, technology or design.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• persistence and determination
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• concentration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of physics

What you'll do:

3D printing technicians make different products, such as medical implants, car parts, aircraft parts or fashion accessories.

As a 3D printing technician you might:

• make digital models and prototypes based on a customer's needs
• operate 3D scanning and printing machines
• clean, sand, polish or apply finishes to products
• work out how much it will cost to create parts or products
• inspect products to check quality and pack them for delivery
• service and repair equipment

Location : You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a factory or at a research facility.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm on a rota

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• move into researching new 3D materials
• train to develop new 3D printing software and hardware
• specialise in a certain area of 3D printing, such as prosthetics or models
• train others in 3D printing techniques and methods