CNC machinist
Manufacturing

How to become an cnc machinist

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the practical engineering skills that employers want. Relevant courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Performing Engineering Operations
• Level 1 Certificate in Engineering and Manufacturing
• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can do an intermediate apprenticeship as an engineering operative or advanced apprenticeship in engineering manufacturing. You can also do a furniture CNC technician advanced apprenticeship, if you're working in the furniture manufacturing industry.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More info

Further information You can find out more about engineering careers from Tomorrow's Engineers.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• maths knowledge
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• analytical thinking skills
• design skills and knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

• programming the CNC machine tool with data taken from technical drawings
• working out the most efficient order to carry out machining tasks
• choosing the right tools for each stage
• setting the cutting speeds and tolerance levels
• operating the machine
• checking the work meets quality and technical standards
• maintaining equipment

Working environment

You could work in a factory. Your working environment may be noisy. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience and further training, you could move into a supervisory role. You could also move into quality inspection or become an engineering technician.