Engineering operative

assembler
Bookmark
Engineering
Produce

Career outlook for engineering operative

Average UK salary

£29,120

Currently employed in Scotland

Information is unavailable

"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would put together different parts to make products such as cars, household appliances, gadgets and furniture.

You’d use hand and machine tools to assemble electrical or mechanical products.

You could work in different industries from manufacturing to rail and renewable energy. For example, you might make parts on a car production line or maintain wind turbines.

You would:

  • Build components and sub-assemblies into finished products
  • Fit parts to machinery and equipment
  • Cut and shape parts and tools
  • Operate machine tools, like lathes, grinders and borers
  • Use moulding machines, preset to carry out certain tasks
  • Set and operate hand-controlled or computer-controlled machines
  • Apply finishes and surface coatings to products

You’d need to understand technical diagrams and manuals and be able to concentrate on repetitive tasks.

You could also move raw materials and finished products around the factory or workshop using forklift trucks, hoists or trolleys.

You’d need to work safely and be aware of health and safety issues.

Working conditions

Hours

You would typically work 37 to 40 hours a week on a shift pattern covering days, evenings, nights and weekends. You may have occasional overtime.

Environment

If you work in finishing operations, such as heat or chemical treatments, you may have to deal with high temperatures or fumes, which would require special protective equipment. At other times, you would normally wear protective clothing such as safety glasses, boots and overalls.

UK employment status

Full-time

96%

Part-time

4%

Self employed

0%

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  • Cooperating
  • Observation
  • Attention to detail
  • Concentrating
  • Taking responsibility
  • Understanding

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

You would need a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualification.

Or a National Qualification or National Certificate (SCFQ level 4-6), Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in areas like:

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic engineering technologies
  • Maintenance engineering technologies
  • Renewable energy
  • Engineering

Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.

You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5). You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.  

Useful subjects

  • Maths (required by many courses and employers)
  • Science subjects, in particular physics (required by many courses and employers)
  • English
  • Technologies subjects, such as engineering science

Helpful to have

Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4).

With relevant experience and qualifications (SCQF level 7/ SVQ level 3) you may be able to become an engineering technician.