What do they do?
Machinists make metal parts using a range of traditional methods and high-tech equipment. Machinists are able to manufacture precision componentry by engineering various materials using a wide range of machining and hand processes; in both large and small volumes.
A typical day
Normally an eight-hour day; sometimes working longer may be required.
Each day can be quite different; machining work is varied and can include making and assembling metal parts.
Using Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines, you could be making componentry in bulk or making small quantities of unique or special parts.
Sound like you?
- English or Media or History
- Maths or Accounting or Economics
- Sciences or Workshop Technologies
- Computing/ICT/Information Management.
- Strong eye for detail
- Good literacy and numeracy
- Good organisational skills
- Good work habits/time management.
- Making or fixing things
- Working with machinery
- Working with computers.
- Inside (workshop or plant)
- Different places from time to time.
Pathway
Unit standards in schools
Ideally NCEA Level 2 in:
- Maths
- Science (physics)
- Technology (metal work)
- English
Gateway programme available
Apprenticeship
- Machining Engineer
- Fitting and Assembly Work
- Machine Shop
- Fitter and Turner
- CNC Programmer/Operator
- Manufacturing Engineer
Higher learning
- Specialist Engineer
- Engineering Supervisor
- Leading Hand
- Workshop Supervisor
- Welding Supervisor
Higher learning
- Foreman
- Site Supervisor
- Business Manager
- Business Owner
Qualifications available
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
- Comprehend and apply detailed knowledge underpinning good practice as an engineering technician
- Comprehend and apply detailed knowledge underpinning good practice as an engineering technician that is specific to the jurisdiction in which he/she practices
- Be responsible for making decisions on part or all of one or more or more well-defined engineering activities
- Manage part or all of one or more well-defined engineering activities in accordance with good engineering management practice
- Communicate clearly with others in the course of his/her well defined engineering activities
- Maintain the currency of engineering knowledge and skills
- Exercise sound engineering judgement
- Conduct engineering activities to an ethical standard at least equivalent to the relevant code of ethical conduct
- Recognise the reasonably foreseeable social, cultural and environmental effects of well-defined engineering activities generally
Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering strand will also be able to:
- Identify, state and analyse well-defined engineering problems in accordance with good practice for engineering
- Design or develop solutions to well-defined engineering problems by applying accepted procedures and methodologies
- Identify risk and apply risk management techniques to well-defined engineering problems