Engineering craft machinist
Transform raw metal into precision parts for engines, appliances and life-saving devices – your work will power real-world innovation.
About the job
What it's like
Engineering craft machinists are skilled professionals who use precision tools and machines to create metal parts and components. You'll play a key role in turning technical drawings into real, working pieces for a wide range of industries.
You'll focus on operating lathes, milling machines and grinders to shape metal with high accuracy. It’s a hands-on role that rewards attention to detail and problem-solving skills. There’s real satisfaction in seeing a finished part fit perfectly into a larger machine or system!
You might make parts for aircraft, trains, medical devices or even renewable energy equipment.
Engineering craft machinists are found in sectors like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, energy and defence. Some specialise in areas such as CNC machining, toolmaking or prototype development – depending on the needs of their employer.
Your tasks might include:
setting up and operating lathes, milling machines and grinders
interpreting technical drawings and specifications
measuring and checking finished parts for accuracy
maintaining and adjusting machines for best performance
working with different metals and materials
repairing or modifying existing components
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
manufacture precision parts for wind turbines or electric vehicles
help reduce waste by repairing and reusing metal components
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Tomorrow's Engineers – careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and the Royal Academy of Engineering
WISE – inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) — get more information on engineering careers
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Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- taking initiative
- managing resources
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a couple of routes into a career as an engineering craft machinist.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering Systems
Fabrication and Welding Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Engineering: Manufacturing and Fabrication.
Work
You could start working as a general engineering operative and train on the job to become a craft machinist.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to get into an engineering-based career. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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