Engineering operative

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

You could also do a qualification aimed at a particular industry, for example a Level 2 Diploma in Introduction to Renewable Energy Engineering.

Entry requirements

You may need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start by doing an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

Further information

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

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

You'll need to:

• have a good level of fitness

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

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.