Engineering operative
Engineering operatives make, service and repair machinery and tools across lots of different industries.
- Starter salary£22,000 a year
- Experienced£33,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 44 a week
What you'll do
As an engineering operative, you could:
- follow engineering plans and job instructions
- set up and operate computer-controlled machinery
- make machine parts, using tools like lathes, cutters and grinders
- apply coatings and finishes to manufactured products
- service and repair machinery
- carry out inspections and quality checks
Working environment
You could work in a factory, in a workshop or on a construction site.
Your working environment may be dusty, hot and noisy.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- maths knowledge
- the ability to use your initiative
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a engineering operative
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for this job.
Relevant courses include:
- engineering operations
- engineering technologies
- engineering
- mechanical engineering
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs if you have engineering experience. This might be from mechanical servicing and repair, machinery fitting or electrical work.
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- have a good level of fitness
Career path and progression
With further training, you could become an engineering craftsperson or engineering technician. You could also specialise in a particular type of work, for example:
- CNC machining
- fabrication and welding
- machinery maintenance
- heavy vehicle mechanics
Guides for this industry
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