Engineering operative
Turn recycled and sustainable materials into innovative products. You'll build a range of things – from sustainable gadgets to furniture and appliances.
Also known as: assembler
About the job
What it's like
Want to play a part in bringing amazing inventions to life, from gadgets you use every day to huge machines that keep our world moving? Then you might just love being an engineering operative!
In this job, you'll work with machinery, tools and materials to help produce and maintain a wide range of products.
Engineering operatives focus on supporting skilled engineers and technicians by carrying out practical tasks. You might set up equipment, monitor machines or help with repairs. It’s a role where you’ll see the results of your work every day, which can be really rewarding.
You could work in industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, construction or food production. Engineering operatives are found anywhere that relies on machinery and production lines.
There are also specialisms, such as mechanical, electrical or fabrication operative – depending on the type of work and industry.
Your tasks might include:
operating and monitoring production line machinery
assembling components using hand and power tools
checking products for quality and reporting faults
moving materials and finished goods around the site
carrying out routine maintenance on equipment
following health and safety procedures at all times
Green job
In this job, you’ll do work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
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 Royal Academy of Engineering
WISE — inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
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Related industries
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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Engineering and manufacturing -
Energy
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.
- understanding
- taking responsibility
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- cooperating
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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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
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 operative.
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 areas such as:
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
Engineering Systems
Maintenance Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Use My World of Work's course search to find relevant courses.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an engineering operative. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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