STEM

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

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

Courses include:

• engineering and manufacturing
• performing engineering operations
• mechanical engineering

Apprenticeship

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

• 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.

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

Direct application

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.

More information

View all vacancies in this region

With experience and further training, you could move into a supervisory role.

You could also move into quality inspection or become an engineering technician.