Engineering construction craftworkers build processing and manufacturing plants, and fit them out with machinery and equipment. They work in a variety of industrial sectors including:

• oil and gas refining (including pipelines and offshore rigs)
• water collection, treatment and distribution
• environmental waste disposal and recycling
• food production, storage and distribution
• power generation
• chemicals processing
• pharmaceutical production.

A craftworker's duties vary but some of the practical skills required are outlined below:

• steel erecting - putting up and fixing girders and sections that make up the plant's structure
• pipefitting - positioning, shaping and fixing pipework in accordance with design plans
• welding - using a variety of techniques to cut, shape and join metal plate and sections
• plating - cutting, shaping and assembling sheets of metal plate
• mechanical fitting - assembling, installing and maintaining machinery
• electrotechnical installation - installing and commissioning control panels, motors, valves and pumps.

Craftworkers use a range of hand and power tools to carry out their duties and must adhere to strict health and safety guidelines at all times.

For more detailed information about some of these areas of work, see the profiles for Steel Erector/Fixer, Mechanical/Electrical Engineer, Welder and CAD Draughtsman/woman.

Hours and Environment

The basic working week is 38 hours, but this varies depending on the type of work and deadlines. Overtime may be available. On offshore rigs, twelve-hour on/off shift patterns running for two weeks are common. These are followed by two to three weeks' shore leave. 

Craftworkers may work in a company fabrication shop or on an engineering construction site. Craftworkers normally move from job to job and can be based anywhere in the UK or overseas for many months at a time. Much of the work is done outdoors in all weather conditions and may be underground or at heights. The work is physically demanding.

Skills and Interests

As a craftworker in engineering construction, you should:

• have an aptitude for practical work
• have good problem solving skills
• work well as part of a team and alone
• be able to work to high standards of accuracy
• be able to follow technical drawings and plans
• be physically fit
• have good maths and computer skills
• be aware of health and safety issues.

Entry

The National Apprenticeship Scheme for Engineering Construction (NASEC) is open to young people. Applicants for offshore technician apprenticeships must be aged 16½ to 21; all other apprenticeship applicants should be 17 or over and must complete the training before their 24th birthday (see Training section for details).

You will need a minimum of three GCSEs/S grades in maths, English and science at grade C or above. Equivalent qualifications in design and technology, engineering or a BTEC Introductory/First Certificate or Diploma in Engineering, * may be acceptable.

For general information about engineering as a career, contact the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their websites in Further Information.

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

Training

You do most of your training on the job. For jobs such as fitting or steel erecting there may be initial training in a workshop, reading technical drawings or using machine tools. You may also be given short courses away from the workplace, for example learning how to use a specific machine or a forklift truck.

As an apprentice, you follow the National Apprenticeship Scheme for Engineering Construction (NASEC). You begin at a training centre, learning:

• general engineering skills
• health and safety
• using and interpreting mechanical engineering drawings
• measuring and marking out
• identifying engineering materials
• cutting and shaping materials
• mechanical assembly.

You then go on to specialised study. 

You work towards a vocational qualification like the NVQ/SVQ at levels 2 and 3 in your specialist area. For more details about the scheme, contact NASEC Administration in Further Information.

The ECITB has information about a range of work-based training programmes for employees, including the Safety Passport (CCNSG - Client/Contractor National Safety Group). This replaces the former SCATS (Safety Contractor Accredited Training Scheme) programme. For a list of training providers, see the ECITB website.

Opportunities

Employment opportunities are good for skilled craftworkers.

Progression options include moving to a chargehand or supervisor post. With additional training and qualifications, workers can gain technician status. See the technician job profiles in the Manufacturing and Engineering family.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries start between £15,000 and £18,000.
Experienced craft workers can earn between £18,500 and £22,000.
Senior workers can earn up to £25,000.

Further information

14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167 Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878 Blue Court
Church Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire
WD4 8JP
Tel: 01923 260000
NASEC Administration Team: 01923 402155 6th Floor
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426