If you are interested in a career in metal machining, here are some things to consider:
What the job entails:
Metal machining requires you to shape and form metal stock and casting using detailed drawing and specifications. You will be required to set up machining tools, and be competent in operating machining such as Teflon machining, vespel machining, and cnc machining plastic. Your work would mainly entail working with metal, but you may also be asked to work with composite materials, plastics, and wood. Most metal machining work is carried out for automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. Precision work is of the utmost priority.
Typical duties will include: meeting quality and technical standards, having the ability to choose the right tools for each job, setting tolerance levels and cutting speeds, being able to program the machine with data taken from the technical drawings, and finally, carrying out routine maintenance.
The machines you will be working with are typically: grinding machines, milling machines, cutting machines, lathes, drills and presses, and machines that have combinations of all of the above
Working hours involved:
Typically you will be expected to work for approximately 37 to 40 hours a week. Machine work is done in shifts, so you may be covering weekends or nights. Most of your time would be spent ina factory or workshop environment wearing protective overalls, ear defenders, boots, and goggles.
What skills are required?
You will need to be able to read engineering drawings, have good practical skills, and a high level of accuracy. Precision and accuracy needs to be in your blood! Additionally you will need to have good concentration skills and have a high level of focus. You will need IT and Math skills. You will need to be good at working with your hands, and have a reasonable level of fitness.
Entry requirements:
If you are young, you may be able to get into this career via an engineering apprenticeship. This would be dependent on the local jobs market in your area and the types of skills employers need. You may have to consider moving to a new location, if it is a career you want, but with no local opportunities. Expect to be asked if you have passed school exams in subjects such as Math, English, Engineering, Science, and Design & Technology. Your employer will arrange on-the-job training once you start work. In this way you can gain hands-on experience and obtain certification.
If there are no apprentice positions available, an alternative route would be to take a college course in order to learn some practical engineering skills.
What qualifications/certificates you will need:
A variety of certificates need to be obtained depending on the job position you are going for. Skilled machinists will be expected to show certificates proving their proficiency and experience. With further training and experience, there is potential for moving to a supervisory or inspector role, or, technical positions such as in engineer or graphic design.
If the idea of being a metal machinist still appeals get in touch with your local career officer and find out what is available in your area.
