You could start by doing a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need in this job.
Courses include:
- engineering technology
- engineering operations
- engineering
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Career Suggestion
Toolmaker
Toolmakers make precision tools and parts that are used in manufacturing and engineering.
Average salary (a year)
£26000.0 to £45000.0 (starter to experienced)
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 46.0
You could work
between 8am and 6pm on shifts
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering company. These include:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Maintenance 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
Work
You could start as an engineering operative in a workshop or factory and do further training on the job to move into toolmaking and craft machining.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in engineering from Tomorrow's Engineers.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- design skills and knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Day-to-day tasks
As a toolmaker, you could:
- use 2D and 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing software (CAD/CAM)
- follow engineering plans to mark out tool designs on a 'stock' or casting
- program settings into computer controlled machinery
- produce tools and parts, using lathes, presses, cutting machines and injection moulds
- measure product dimensions with instruments like micrometers
- monitor the quality of machined tools and parts
- carry out basic machine maintenance
Working environment
You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be noisy.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
With experience, you could be promoted to shift supervisor of a production section or workshop.
With further training, you could become an engineering technician, machine maintenance engineer or move into quality control.
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