Career outlook for heat treatment operator
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£31,720
Currently employed in Scotland
800
Five year job forecast
-1.51%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
What's it like?
You would use various methods to clean, strengthen or soften metals, so they can be used for components in manufacturing products like aircraft and cars.
You would work with a variety of metals including iron, steel and alloys. You’d apply treatments to clean, harden, temper (strengthen) and anneal (soften) them.
You would:
- Load untreated products into a furnace or tank
- Set the temperature controls for particular treatments
- Monitor the treatment cycle in line with instructions
- Cool products by air drying, or using water, oil or chemical baths (known as quenching)
- Clean oxides and scale from products using steam sprays or with chemical cleaning solutions
- Test samples for hardness and other properties to make sure they meet the manufacturer's specifications
- Record test results on a computer system
You’d use a range of equipment including:
- Gas and vacuum furnaces
- Salt baths
- Chemical solutions
- Welding torches
Some jobs are done with computer-controlled equipment so you would also be responsible for programming instructions into the machines.
It is important to have a basic knowledge of metallurgy and how materials react. You’ll also need to be aware of safety and quality standards.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
100%
Part-time
0%
Self employed
0%
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- Taking responsibility
- Time management
- Taking initiative
- Implementing ideas
- Cooperating
- Working with numbers
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Practical technologies such as practical metalwork
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate practical skills and an interest in working with machinery such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 4).
It is helpful to have relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Process Manufacturing (SVQ level 3) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
Related industries
