Engineering craft machinist
Engineering craft machinists make parts for the manufacturing and engineering industries using equipment like cutters and grinders.
Typical Salary
£19,000 – £33,000
per year
Working Hours
42–44
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As an engineering craft machinist, you could:
- follow engineering drawings
- choose the correct tools for a particular job
- set tolerance levels on machinery, choose cutting speeds and programme machines
- operate cutters, grinders, lathes and milling machines
- monitor progress, check quality and carry out safety checks
Skills needed
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to work well with your hands
- knowledge of maths
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to use your initiative
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- observation and recording skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
You could become a shift supervisor of a production section or workshop. With further training, you might be able to work as an engineering technician.
Your engineering craft skills will be useful in lots of different industries from aerospace to car manufacturing. You might be able to specialise in one area or move between areas.