Engineering craft machinist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job.

Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
• Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a general engineering operative at a company and train on the job to become a craft machinist.

More information

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of maths
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• observation and recording skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• persistence and determination
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning

What you'll do:

Engineering craft machinists make parts for the manufacturing and engineering industries using equipment like cutters and grinders.

As an engineering craft machinist, you could:

• follow engineering drawings
• choose the correct tools for a particular job
• set tolerance levels on machinery, choose cutting speeds and programme machines
• operate cutters, grinders, lathes and milling machines
• monitor progress, check quality and carry out safety checks

Location : You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £33,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm on shifts

Career Path:

You could become a shift supervisor of a production section or workshop. With further training, you might be able to work as an engineering technician.

Your engineering craft skills will be useful in lots of different industries from aerospace to car manufacturing. You might be able to specialise in one area or move between areas.