Engineering Operative
What is the work like?
As an engineering operative, you could work in industries ranging from automotive and electronics manufacturing, to petrochemicals and railways.
Your main duties could include:
- marking out, cutting and drilling items with power tools or CNC machine equipment
- fabricating and assembling components to make electrical or mechanical goods
- welding parts together using oxyacetylene, MIG and TIG methods
- servicing and repairing electrical and mechanical equipment
- inspecting and testing wiring and circuitry, and replacing faulty parts
- cleaning parts and equipment using chemical solutions
- applying finishes and surface coatings to products, using chemicals or by spray painting
- carrying out basic quality checks.
Other duties may include moving raw materials and finished products around the workplace, using forklift trucks, hoists or trolleys.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to get into this job through an engineering Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To get on to an Apprenticeship, you are likely to need four GCSEs (A-C), including maths, science, engineering, design and technology or equivalent qualifications like the BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Engineering.
Alternatively, you could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed in this type of work. Courses include:
- BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas in engineering (various branches)
- City & Guilds awards in engineering
- Engineering Diploma.
You can find more information about engineering as a career on the SEMTA website.
What further training and development can I do?
Most of your training would be provided by your employer. You may be able to work towards NVQ qualifications such as:
- Performing Engineering Operations at levels 1 and 2
- Engineering Maintenance and Installation Level 2
- Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering at levels 2 and 3
- Process Engineering Maintenance at levels 2 and 3.
For more details about training in specific job roles, see the technician job profiles in the Manufacturing and Engineering category.
Where can I go for more information?
14 Upton RoadWatford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
Engineering Construction Craftworker
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £11,000 and £12,500 a year.
- Experienced operatives can earn between £13,000 and £17,000.
- Senior operatives with additional responsibilities can earn up to £20,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work a basic 40-hour week on a shift pattern. Your shifts could cover days, evenings, nights and weekends. Overtime may be necessary.
If you are working in finishing operations, such as heat or chemical treatments, you might have to deal with high temperatures or fumes. You would wear protective clothing and use safety equipment at all times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a willingness to work flexibly on a variety of tasks
- the ability to understand technical diagrams and manuals
- good practical skills
- good teamworking skills
- a reasonable level of fitness
- an awareness of health and safety issues
- the ability to concentrate during repetitive tasks.
What opportunities are there?
You would find most job opportunities in the Midlands, the north-west and south-east England, and central Scotland. Jobs would be advertised in your local press and on the websites below.
With further training, you could progress to a skilled craft-level job such as those in the related profiles, and then on to technician level.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Jobcentre Plus
SCENTA
JustEngineers.net
Engineering Jobs Network
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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