3D printing technician

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in a subject like:

• 3D design
• product design
• engineering
• materials science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a course in creative design, model making or engineering to help you to find a job.

Specific courses you could take to become a 3D printing technician include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Computer Aided Design
• Level 3 Award in 3D Computer Aided Design
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology
• T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeships you could take to become a 3D printing technician include:

• Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Digital Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You may be able to start as an assistant in a 3D printing workshop and train on the job to become a technician.

You'll find it helpful if you have some experience in manufacturing, model making, printing, technology or design.

Career Tips

You could learn more about the basics of 3D printing . This might help you decide if you'd enjoy a career as a 3D printing technician.

Further Information

You can find out more about 3D printing and design engineering from The Welding Institute.

As a 3D printing technician you might:

• make digital models and prototypes based on a customer's needs
• operate 3D scanning and printing machines
• clean, sand, polish or apply finishes to products
• work out how much it will cost to create parts or products
• inspect products to check quality and pack them for delivery
• service and repair equipment

You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a factory or at a research facility.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.