You could start by doing a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need in this job. 

Courses include:

• engineering technology
• engineering operations
• engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering company. These include:

• Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 1 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start as an engineering operative in a workshop or factory and do further training on the job to move into toolmaking and craft machining.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in engineering from Tomorrow's Engineers.

You'll need:

• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• design skills and knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a toolmaker, you could:

• use 2D and 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing software (CAD/CAM)
• follow engineering plans to mark out tool designs on a 'stock' or casting
• program settings into computer controlled machinery
• produce tools and parts, using lathes, presses, cutting machines and injection moulds
• measure product dimensions with instruments like micrometers
• monitor the quality of machined tools and parts
• carry out basic machine maintenance

You could work in a factory or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.