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metal engraver
Engravers decorate metal by using hand tools or machinery to cut into the surface. Engravers may produce original designs or copy existing ones.
They use various methods including:
- pantograph and computer controlled machines
- hand-held pendant motors using assorted tungsten or diamond rotary burrs
- photo-etching
- bead blasting
- traditional hand-held engraving tools.
Hand engraving is usually used for single objects, such as plates or jewellery.
Machine engraving is used for mass produced items, where large numbers of similar objects are given the same design. This is used particularly for hard metals such as stainless steel.
Hours and Environment
Engravers employed by companies usually work 37-40 hours a week. Self-employed engravers' hours are more flexible, depending on the amount and type of work. They may include evenings and/or weekends.
Engravers work in workshops or factories. Engraving can involve sitting, standing continuously or bending, depending on the method used.
Skills and Interests
As an engraver you will need:
- good hand-to-eye co-ordination and nimble fingers
- interest and ability in art, particularly drawing - especially for hand engraving - some machine metal engraving is routine and does not require any particular artistic ability
- good eyesight (with spectacles or contact lenses if worn) for detailed engraving
- patience and a methodical approach
- business skills and the ability to market and sell your work if self-employed.
Entry
Most metal engravers have a background or qualifications in art, design or craft, although there are no set entry requirements.
You can learn metal engraving as part of a number of full-time degree courses that specialise in jewellery and silversmithing. These last for three years.
For these you will usually need a portfolio of work and one of the following:
- an art and design foundation course
- BTEC National Diploma in a relevant subject and 5 GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3)
- an appropriate AVCE
- equivalent qualifications or experience
In Scotland degree courses last for four years which includes a foundation year.
You can include units in Jewellery and Light Metals as part of BTEC/SQA HNC/HND courses in 3D Design. These usually last for two years. You will usually need a portfolio of work and at least one of the following:
- a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area
- an AVCE in an appropriate vocational area
- an Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
- an art and design foundation course
- related work experience.
For all courses you should check with colleges and universities for their exact entry requirements.
To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
You can also do relevant courses at many colleges and adult education centres.
Training
The Sector Skills Council, SEMTA (Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) has prepared new National Occupational Standards for jewellery and silversmithing. As a result of this, NVQs are under review by JAITC, so NVQs and apprenticeships in the industry are currently not available. When the new qualifications are in place information will be available from JAITC.
You can get details of jewellery and silversmithing courses from JAITC.
Opportunities
The number of people working in metal engraving has declined over the past few years and there is strong competition for jobs.
Employed engravers work mainly for jewellery manufacturers and silversmiths, gun makers or in engraving departments of larger companies. A number of metal engravers in London work as self employed sub-contractors.
A lot of metal engravers are self-employed, and many work part-time.
Most work is found in three main centres: London, Birmingham and Sheffield.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Income for engravers may start at around £10,000 a year, depending on ability.
Experienced engravers may earn between £15,000 and £20,000, depending on ability.
Top rate self employed engravers may earn up to £30,000.
Further information
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167
10 Vyse Street
Birmingham
B18 6LT
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
Back To Arts Crafts and Design Careers
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice