Engineering Operative

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £25,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings on shifts

How To Become a Engineering Operative

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed for this job. Relevant courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
Level 2 Diploma in Engineering
Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

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

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for vacancies. It might help if you have a few GCSEs, especially in maths, English or design and technology. You'll usually work alongside an experienced member of staff to learn the skills to do the job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of engineering science and technology
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
maths knowledge
the ability to work well with others
the ability to use your initiative
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

building up components and sub-assemblies into finished electrical or mechanical products
fitting parts to machinery and equipment
cutting and shaping parts and tools
operating machine tools, like lathes, grinders and borers
using moulding machines
setting and operating hand-controlled or computer-controlled machines
applying finishes and surface coatings to products
moving raw materials and finished products around the workplace
using forklift trucks, hoists or trolleys

Working Environment

You could work in a factory, on a construction site or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be dusty, hot and physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You'll find more advice on training and working in engineering from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board and Tomorrow's Engineers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

have a good level of fitness