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3D printing technician

3D printing technicians make different products, such as medical implants, car parts, aircraft parts or fashion accessories.

Annual Salary

£19,000 to £38,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

37 to 42 a week

You could work: between 8am and 6pm; on a rota

0.5%
Future employment

There will be 0.5% more 3D printing technician jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

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

Working environment

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

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

Your working environment may be noisy.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
University

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
For 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/
College

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
For 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
Apprenticeship

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
For 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 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.

More information

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.

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With experience you could:move into researching new 3D materials; train to develop new 3D printing software and hardware; specialise in a certain area of 3D printing, such as prosthetics or models; train others in 3D printing techniques and methods

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • knowledge of maths
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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