Heat Treatment Operator
What is the work like?
Heat treatment operators oversee the manufacturing machines and equipment, which apply treatments to metals and metal components. These treatments remove defects and can give products a specific finish, for example artificial ageing.
As a heat treatment operator, you would work with a variety of metals including iron, steel, aluminium, copper and nickel. Your typical duties would involve:
- loading untreated products into a furnace or tank
- setting the temperature controls for a particular treatment
- monitoring the process, and adjusting times and temperatures in line with instructions
- removing products from the furnace and air drying, or cooling them in water, oil or chemical baths (known as quenching)
- cleaning oxides and scale from parts or fittings using steam sprays or by washing them in chemical cleaning solutions
- testing samples for hardness and other properties to make sure they meet the manufacturer's specifications
- carrying out minor maintenance work.
You would use gas and vacuum furnaces, salt baths, chemical solutions and welding torches to harden (anneal) metals and metal alloys. You would do some of these jobs using automated equipment and you may also be responsible for programming instructions into the machines.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any formal qualifications to work as a heat treatment operator, although employers may look for some GCSEs in subjects such as maths, English, technology or engineering. If you have previous engineering experience, you may be at an advantage when looking for work.
You may be able to get into this job through an 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.
You can also take college courses, which cover some of the skills you need for this job. These courses are open to all age groups and include:
- Edexcel (BTEC) Certificate/Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (options in metallurgy)
- City & Guilds Certificate in Engineering (2800) levels 1 and 2.
See the websites for Metals Industry Skills & Performance and SEMTA for more details about engineering careers and qualifications.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, your employer will give you on-the-job training. There is a great deal of emphasis on safe working practices, and your training will include basic first aid procedures and how to deal with emergencies.
You can work towards NVQ qualifications in this job, such as:
- Metal Processing and Allied Operations levels 2 and 3
- Performing Manufacturing Operations levels 1and 2
- Performing Engineering Operations levels 1 and 2.
You could also take courses with the Wolfson Heat Treatment Centre in Birmingham, which offers training in understanding heat treatments. See their website for more details.
Where can I go for more information?
Federation House10 Vyse Street
Birmingham
B18 6LT
Tel: 0121 237 1122
Amos Road
Sheffield
S9 1BX
Tel: 0114 244 6833
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
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £15,000 and £18,500 a year.
- More experienced operators may earn between £19,000 and £23,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 40 hours a week, often on a shift rota, which may include evenings and weekends.
Most of your work would take place in factories and workshops, where conditions can get very hot, dirty and noisy. You would spend a lot of your time standing at the machines, and lifting and carrying materials and components. You would wear protective clothing for most tasks.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- an ability to work methodically and efficiently
- the ability to follow detailed instructions and use technical equipment
- an awareness of safety and quality standards
- good numeracy and computer skills
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- good fitness levels.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work as a heat treatment operator in the automotive, aerospace, railway and construction industries, general engineering, petrochemicals and their suppliers.
You could also work for smaller specialist heat treatment companies, which carry out sub-contract work for larger firms. Jobs are advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus and on company websites.
Your promotion options would depend on your training and experience, and would normally lead to supervisory and technician jobs.
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