You could do a college course, which may help you to find a trainee craft position with a company once you finish. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering
• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
• Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Practice
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could start by doing an engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship. The exact apprenticeship you do will depend on your area of work. Examples include:

• welding
• pipefitting
• mechanical fitting
• electrical installation

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

You could apply directly for craft jobs if you've got experience and qualifications from other areas of engineering, construction or the armed forces.

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day duties will depend on your job but you could:

• fix girders and sections into place on construction projects
• position and install pipes and ductwork
• cut and weld metal plates and pipes
• install heating and water systems in industrial and commercial buildings
• cut, shape and assemble metal sheets and panels
• service and repair machinery and tools
• fit, test and repair electrical control panels, motors, valves and pumps

You could work on a rig, on a construction site or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and you'll travel often.