Engineering operatives work throughout the engineering sector. The type of work they do will depend upon the branch of engineering they work in, for example, manufacturing engineering, mechanical fitting or electrical maintenance.

Some examples of the duties undertaken by engineering operatives include:

Fabrication and assembly - building up components and sub-assemblies into finished electrical or mechanical products such as vehicles or domestic appliances; marking out, cutting and drilling products with power tools or CNC machine tools; making connections and joints using welding techniques, such as oxyacetylene, MIG and TIG.

Maintenance and installation - carrying out basic servicing and repair schedules on electrical and mechanical equipment; inspecting and testing wiring and circuitry; and ordering and replacing faulty parts.

Finishing – applying processes such as heat treatments to harden or temper products or components; cleaning parts by immersion in chemical solutions; and applying surface coatings using chemical treatments or spray painting techniques.

Operatives may also carry out basic quality checks as part of their work.

Other duties include moving raw materials and products around the factory or workshop floor using forklift trucks, hoists or trolleys; and working in stores, supplies, packaging and dispatch.

Hours and Environment

Engineering operatives normally work a basic 40-hour week. Some work shifts covering days, evenings, nights and weekends. Overtime is quite common, with extra hours often being required to meet deadlines or seasonal peaks.

Most engineering and manufacturing sites are clean, tidy and well lit, especially in electronics. In finishing operations, such as heat or chemical treatments, operatives may have to cope with high temperatures or fumes.

For most operations, operatives have protective clothing and equipment.

Skills and Interests

To work as an engineering operative you should:

• be versatile and willing to do a variety of tasks
• be able to understand technical diagrams and manuals
• have good practical skills
• be able to work in a team
• be physically fit
• be aware of health and safety issues
• be able to maintain concentration during repetitive tasks.

Entry

A common route for young people is to train as a technician apprentice in engineering. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see Training section for contacts).

You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths, science, engineering, design and technology or equivalent qualifications such as a BTEC Introductory/First Certificate or Diploma in Engineering, may be useful. *

Alternative qualifications open to all ages include Edexcel (BTEC) National Certificates/Diplomas in a variety of engineering disciplines, and City & Guilds awards in engineering. These courses are available at local colleges. Check with them for details.

Many operative jobs are open to people who already have experience of work in manufacturing.

For general information about engineering as a career, see the website for SEMTA in Further Information.

* Note: Replaces the former Foundation/Intermediate GNVQ in Engineering.

Training

Most of the training is done on the job. For those working as engineering operatives, there is a wide range of NVQ/SVQ qualifications available, including:

• Performing Engineering Operations at levels 1 and 2
• Engineering Maintenance and Installation Level 2
• Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering at levels 2 and 3
• Process Engineering Maintenance at levels 2 and 3.

For details about training for specific job roles, see the technician profiles in the Manufacturing and Engineering family.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

There are engineering and manufacturing companies in most areas of the country with concentrations in the Midlands, the north-west of England, south-east, and central Scotland.

With further training, progression is possible to a skilled craft-level job, and then to technician level.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £10,000 and £12,500 a year.
Experienced operatives can earn between £13,000 and £17,000.
Senior operatives with additional responsibilities may earn up to £20,000.

Further information

14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167