CNC machinist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a college course or an apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the practical engineering skills you'll need.

Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Engineering and Manufacturing
• Level 1 Certificate in Performing Engineering Operations
• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could do an Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

If you're working in the furniture manufacturing industry, you could do a Furniture CNC Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

More information

You can find out more about engineering careers from Tomorrow's Engineers .

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

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• maths knowledge
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• analytical thinking skills
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to write computer programs
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to read English
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinists make precision parts for the engineering and manufacturing industries.

As a CNC machinist, you could:

• programme the CNC machine tool with data from technical drawings
• work out the most efficient order to carry out machining tasks
• choose the right tools for each stage and operate the machine
• set the cutting speeds and tolerance levels
• check that work meets quality and technical standards and maintain equipment

Location : You could work in a factory.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience and further training, you could move into a supervisory role.

You could also move into quality inspection or become an engineering technician.