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- Technical and practical work with machines and equipment
- Specialise in a range of areas
- With further study progress to become an engineer
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Planning and design - using CAD software to draw up plans, showing the measurements and layout of projects
- Fabrication and assembly - cutting and welding pipework and putting up the steel columns and beams of a building's framework
- Fitting and maintenance - installing and servicing equipment in factories and industrial sites, like conveyor lines
- Inspection and testing - checking for faults in machinery, and testing newly installed systems
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in an office or on a construction site. You may need to travel and spend nights away from home and the role can be physically demanding. You may also need to wear safety clothing.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with good maths, science and IT skills, the ability to read technical plans, organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workloads, and excellent problem-solving skills.
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and may help you to find a trainee position with a company. Relevant courses include Level 2 Certificate in Engineering, Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering and Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Maintenance. You can also take a T level in Design, Surveying and Planning.
If you want to specialise in design work, you could take a course in computer aided design.
You could also complete an engineering technician advanced apprenticeship or a construction site engineering technician higher apprenticeship.
Alternatively you could start as an engineering craftworker and become a technician through on the job training.
You could also do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering before looking for a job as a trainee technician.
You'll need an industry safety certificate like the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport Scheme for many jobs.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress to site management jobs or specialise in particular areas, like engineering design, testing or procurement. With a degree you could qualify as an engineer.