Engineering Craft Machinist

Also known as:

Machinist, Engineering Craft

Introduction

Engineering craft machinists set up and operate a wide range of engineering machines. They use the machines to shape metal and other materials, for example, by cutting, grinding and boring.

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Work Activities

Engineering craft machinists make parts for machinery. They work from engineering drawings that give the exact details of the parts they need to make. Machinists read the drawings, decide which machinery is needed and prepare the tools for the machines. They use both computer numerically controlled (CNC) and hand-controlled machines.

Accuracy is essential both in setting up and operating the machines. Machinists work to very fine tolerances (precise dimensions), for example, skimming 1/100th of a millimetre from a component. To set up machinery you must calculate machine speeds; it is important for engineering craft machinists to operate machines at the highest speed possible, while maintaining accuracy and quality.

Having carefully set up the machine, the engineering craft machinist inspects the first parts made. An inspector may need to look at them too before the work can continue. Throughout production, machinists check for accuracy and may have to reposition the part several times to get it right. They also use different types of measuring equipment to make sure dimensions are correct.

The work can be noisy and dirty. Engineering craft machinists may need to wear safety clothing such as overalls, protective footwear and eye protectors.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

This is a practical job that would suit you if you like working with machinery and enjoy working with your hands.

You need good number skills because you have to make accurate calculations, measurements and machine adjustments. You need to be able to read and understand engineering drawings, and follow written and verbal instructions, which may be on a computer terminal.

You need to have a methodical approach to your work, and good organisational skills. Patience and accuracy are essential for setting up and operating the machines. Engineering craft machinists should be able to work well without supervision and also enjoy being part of a team.

You will need to develop good hand to eye co-ordination. You'll spend much of your time on your feet, so you should be physically fit.

IT skills could be useful.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Engineering craft machinists earn in the range of £13,500 - £16,500 a year, rising to £19,500 - £25,000. Higher earners can make around £27,000 a year.

Craft machinists typically work 39-40 hours a week, which may include shift work, evening, night and weekend work.

Employers throughout the UK include large and small engineering firms.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 2% of people in occupations such as engineering craft machinist work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.