How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could start by doing a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need in this job.
Courses include:
- engineering technology
- engineering operations
- engineering
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering company. These include:
- Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These can take between 1 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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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Work
You could start as an engineering operative in a workshop or factory and do further training on the job to move into toolmaking and craft machining.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in engineering from Tomorrow's Engineers.