How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to learn some of the practical engineering skills you'll need in this job.
Courses include:
- advanced manufacturing and engineering
- performing engineering operations
- mechanical engineering
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an employer. These include:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
If you're working in the furniture manufacturing industry, you could do a Furniture CNC Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
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
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Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got experience of working with CNC machine tools in engineering or manufacturing.
Further information
You can find out more about engineering careers from Tomorrow's Engineers.