CNC machinist

You could do a college course to learn some of the practical engineering skills you'll need in this job.

Courses include:

• advanced manufacturing and engineering
• performing engineering operations
• mechanical engineering
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 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

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an employer. These include:

• Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

If you're working in the furniture manufacturing industry, you could do a Furniture CNC Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• 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 can apply directly for jobs if you've got experience of working with CNC machine tools in engineering or manufacturing.

Further information

You can find out more about engineering careers from Tomorrow's Engineers .

As a CNC machinist, you could:

• program CNC machine tools in line with engineering drawings
• work out the most efficient order to carry out machining tasks
• set cutting speeds and tolerance levels
• monitor machining operations and make adjustments where necessary
• troubleshoot problems
• check machined parts to make sure they meet quality standards
• carry out routine machine maintenance
• work with engineers to improve production processes

You could work in a factory or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.