Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist

Engineering craft machinists create precision-engineered parts, using a machine tool to shape blank metal or plastic/composite materials. These could be parts for products such as power station turbines, aero-engines, prototype vehicles or Formula 1 (F1) cars, domestic appliances or medical equipment. They learn to operate a variety of machine tools, such as lathes, grinding, milling and cutting machines, drills and presses. Working from engineering drawings, they decide which machinery is needed and whether to use computer numerically controlled (CNC) or hand-controlled machines.

Normal working hours for engineering machinists are around 38 hours a week, Monday to Friday. In large companies with round-the-clock production, machinists may have to work shifts. These could include days, evenings or nights.

Machine shops are generally well lit, clean and tidy, and machinists spend most of the time standing at their machine while they work. They wear overalls, protective footwear and sometimes ear protection against noise.

Salaries range from around £7,500 as an apprentice, to over £26,000 a year.

Engineering machinists need:

• to be good with their hands
• normal eyesight, with or without glasses
• mathematical skills, particularly the ability to do mental calculations
• good computer skills
• to be able to work to high standards of precision.

Engineering companies operate in most parts of the UK, mainly in large cities in regions such as the West Midlands, the north of England, London and the south-east. Employers may be manufacturing companies or workshops making components to order for other companies to assemble.

The usual way to become an engineering craft machinist is by completing an Advanced Apprenticeship in engineering, but some entrants may start at Apprentice Level 2 and Level 3. The Diploma in engineering may be relevant for this area of work.

Apprentices generally require GCSEs (A*-C), particularly in English, maths, science, technology and the new GCSE in engineering, or equivalent qualifications. Those with higher grades may be able to undertake technician-level qualifications during their training. Apprentices work towards a minimum of NVQ Level 3 in engineering production and may go on to study for a BTEC National or Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/D).

Experienced craft machinists who show ability may be promoted to team leader or supervisor. Those with qualifications above NVQ Level 3 may have opportunities to progress into management.

Further details