Engineering Construction Craftworker
What is the work like?
Engineering construction craftworkers work on a wide range of projects from wind turbines to oil rigs, and from processing plants to sports stadia. They also fit them out with machinery and equipment and carry out repairs.
As a craftworker your exact duties would vary depending on your industry, but you would normally specialise in one of the following areas:
- steel erecting – putting up and fixing the girders and sections that make up a structure
- pipefitting – positioning, shaping and fixing pipework in line with design plans
- welding – using a variety of methods to cut, shape and join metal plates and pipework
- plating – cutting, shaping, assembling and inspecting sheets of metal
- mechanical fitting – assembling, installing and repairing machinery
- electrotechnical installation – fitting, testing and repairing control panels, motors, valves and pumps.
You would use hand and power tools to carry out jobs, and you would follow strict health and safety guidelines at all times.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Your main route into this job is by starting as an apprentice with an engineering or construction firm. See the goengineer website for details about technician apprenticeships in the engineering construction industry.
To get onto an apprenticeship, you would have to pass an interview and skills tests. You may have an advantage if you have some GCSEs (A-C), such as maths, science, engineering, design and technology, or equivalent qualifications like the BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Engineering. However, enthusiasm for the industry is often just as important as qualifications.
The new Diploma in Engineering (aimed at 14 to 19 year olds) may also be acceptable to employers.
See the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction for details about this career. The Engineering Training Council has careers information and a course database for local colleges in Northern Ireland.
What further training and development can I do?
Your would train on the job for between 12 and 24 months, combining work experience under supervision with class-based learning, which would include:
- general engineering skills
- health and safety
- using and interpreting mechanical engineering drawings
- identifying engineering materials
- cutting and shaping metals
- mechanical assembly.
You would work towards an on-the-job qualification like an NVQ in your specialist area, for example mechanical fitting or welding.
You can visit the ECITB website for information about qualifications and a range of work-based training programmes, including CAD design, supervisory management and maintenance planning.
Health and safety is extremely important in this job and you can find information about training providers for the Safety Passport (CCNSG - Client/Contractor National Safety Group) on the ECITB's dedicated website at www.ccnsg.com.
Where can I go for more information?
Blue CourtChurch Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration: 01923 402155
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
Mechanical Engineering Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries start between £15,000 and £18,000.
- Experienced craftworkers can earn between £18,500 and £24,000.
- Senior craftworkers can earn up to £28,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, but this varies depending on your exact job and deadlines. Overtime may be available.
If you are based on an offshore rig, you are likely to work twelve-hour shifts over a two-week period, followed by two to three weeks' shore leave.
Your workplace could range from a fabrication workshop or construction site to an offshore rig. Depending on your job, you may be away from home for many weeks or months at a time. This job is physically demanding.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical ability
- good problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well as part of a team and alone
- the ability to work to a high standard of accuracy
- good fitness levels
- good maths and computer skills
- the ability to follow technical drawings and plans
- a good head for heights (for some jobs)
- an awareness of health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
Your employment opportunities are likely to be good. The industry employs about 50,000 people at the moment and is the largest of its kind in Europe. SEMTA report there is currently a demand for skilled staff across the engineering industries, including engineering construction.
Your progression options could include moving to a chargehand or supervisory management job. With further training and qualifications, you could move up to engineering technician level. See the technician jobs in the Related Profiles for more details.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Engineering Jobs
JustEngineers.net
Engineering Jobs Network
Oil and Gas 4U
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