Cnc Machinist

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings / weekends on shifts

How To Become a Cnc Machinist

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship

College / University

You could do a college course to learn some of the practical engineering skills that employers want. Relevant courses include:

Level 1 Certificate in Performing Engineering Operations
Level 1 Certificate in Engineering and Manufacturing
Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can do an intermediate apprenticeship as an engineering operative.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of engineering science and technology
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
maths knowledge
the ability to work on your own
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
analytical thinking skills
design skills and knowledge
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

programming the CNC machine tool with data taken from technical drawings
working out the most efficient order to carry out machining tasks
choosing the right tools for each stage
setting the cutting speeds and tolerance levels
operating the machine
checking the work meets quality and technical standards
maintaining equipment

Working Environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With experience and further training, you could move into a supervisory role.

You could also move into quality inspection or become an engineering technician.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about engineering careers from Tomorrow's Engineers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.