3d Printing Technician

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £33,000

Typical Hours

37 to 42 a week

between 8am and 6pm on a rota

How To Become a 3d Printing Technician

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in a relevant subject like:

3D design
product design
engineering
materials science

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take a course in creative design, model making or engineering. This could help you to find a job with a manufacturing or 3D printing company. Courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing
Level 3 Certificate in 3D Design
Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology
T level in Digital Production, Design and Development

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a

Apprenticeship

You could do an advanced apprenticeship in digital engineering.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You may be able to start as an assistant in a 3D print workshop and take training on the job to become a technician. Skills and qualifications in model making, printing, technology or design will be useful.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
knowledge of engineering science and technology
the ability to operate and control equipment
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
the ability to work well with others
knowledge of maths
the ability to analyse quality or performance
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

take customer orders and give job quotes
advise customers on which materials to use
create digital models and prototypes based on customer requirements
operate 3D scanning and printing machinery
apply finishes to products
check quality
service and repair equipment

Working Environment

You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a factory or at a research facility.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression

You could move into research, investigating new materials for use in 3D printing and how to make them commercially workable. You could also train to work in 3D printing software and hardware development.

You might work for a company that specialises in printing particular items, for example custom-made prosthetics, construction prototypes, or models of archaeological remains and historical buildings.

There are also opportunities in print equipment sales and training.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Learn more about the basics of 3D printing.

Further information

You can get details about working in 3D printing and design engineering from the British Printing Industries Federation and Tomorrow's Engineers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.