Engineering Craft Machinist
What is the work like?
As an engineering craft machinist, you would make parts for machinery, for example power station turbines and aircraft engines. You would use various machine tools, such as grinders, millers, cutters, lathes, drills and presses.
Your tasks would include:
- choosing and fitting the correct machine tool for the job
- planning the different job stages following engineering instructions
- setting the tolerance levels on the machine
- working out the cutting speeds
- placing a roughly pre-formed 'blank' part in the jaws of the lathe, or on the bed of a mill or grinder
- monitoring the job's progress
- checking the quality of finished items.
You would probably use computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) machine tools for some jobs. This involves programming instructions into a panel to control the cutting process. See the CNC Machinist profile for more details about this role.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could become a craft machinist by doing an engineering Apprenticeship. To get onto a scheme, you would normally need four GCSEs (grades A-C), in subjects like maths, English, science, engineering, design and technology, or equivalent qualifications.
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.
Alternatively, you could take a college course in engineering, which would teach you some of the skills needed for this job. Relevant courses include:
- BTEC First Certificate in Engineering
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering
- City & Guilds Certificate in Engineering
Contact SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction for general information about engineering as a career. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers information and a course database for local colleges.
What further training and development can I do?
Once working, you would be trained to operate a number of different machines. Depending on your job, you could take a work-based NVQ qualification, such as:
- Performing Engineering Operations Level 2
- Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering levels 2 and 3
- Woodmachining levels 2 and 3
- Marine Engineering levels 2 and 3.
You could also take a Diploma in Engineering and Technology at Level 3, or Diploma in Engineering Inspection and Quality Control at Level 3.
Where can I go for more information?
Interpoint20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
Watford
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...
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Engineering Maintenance Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New engineering craft machinists start on £11,500 to £14,000 a year.
- Experienced craft machinists earn between £15,000 and £22,000.
- Machinists with supervisory responsibilities can earn over £25,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. In larger companies, you may work on a shift system to cover round-the-clock production. Overtime may be available.
Your employer would provide you with overalls, protective boots, and ear defenders and safety goggles where necessary.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to work with great accuracy
- good practical skills
- the ability to read engineering drawings and follow instructions
- good maths skills to work out cutting speeds and times
- an understanding of the strengths and properties of metals
- basic computer skills
- the ability to concentrate for long periods
- good eyesight
- a good level of fitness.
What opportunities are there?
You would find jobs in the mechanical engineering, automotive and aerospace industries, and shipbuilding. There are also opportunities in maintenance work for industries that need to replace components regularly, for example in rail transport or power generation.
With experience you could progress to supervisor of a production section or workshop. With further training, you could move into engineering technician jobs.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
JustEngineers.net
Engineering Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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