A skilled Cnc machinist is an integral part of the operation of machine shops and manufacturing plants all over the UK. Management at the plants are highly appreciative of the fact that one proficient operative is able to perform the duties of what traditionally could take 10 workers.
Successful applicants are expected to be able to perform tasks that may include setting up the machine with data from blueprints, selecting the optimum way of running the job process, calibrating dimensions and cutting speeds and affixing the proper tools for each phase. Incumbents need to run quality control during and after machining.
An experienced Cnc machinist would be expected to have served an apprenticeship or hold an NVQ or a BTEC level 3 certificate in engineering. Employees would also expect candidates to have GCSEs passes in maths, English and science.
Junior level machinists start on around £13,000 per year, which can rise to around £25,000 for those in supervisory roles. A lot of the jobs require people to work shifts. There are vacancies at metal fabricators and manufacturing plants in most urban areas of the UK.