Engineering operative
Put together recycled and sustainable parts to make products. You'd create greener cars, household appliances, gadgets and furniture.
Also known as: assembler
About the job
What it's like
You would put together different parts to make products such as cars, household appliances, gadgets and furniture.
You’d use hand and machine tools to assemble electrical or mechanical products.
You could work in different industries from manufacturing to rail and renewable energy. For example, you might make parts on a car production line or maintain wind turbines.
You would:
Build components and sub-assemblies into finished products
Fit parts to machinery and equipment
Cut and shape parts and tools
Operate machine tools, like lathes, grinders and borers
Use moulding machines, preset to carry out certain tasks
Set and operate hand-controlled or computer-controlled machines
Apply finishes and surface coatings to products
You’d need to understand technical diagrams and manuals and be able to concentrate on repetitive tasks.
You could also move raw materials and finished products around the factory or workshop using forklift trucks, hoists or trolleys.
You’d need to work safely and be aware of health and safety issues.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'd typically work 37 to 40 hours a week on a shift pattern covering days, evenings, nights and weekends. You may have occasional overtime.
Environment
If you work in finishing operations, such as heat or chemical treatments, you may have to deal with high temperatures or fumes, which would require special protective equipment. At other times, you'd normally wear protective clothing such as safety glasses, boots and overalls.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- physics
- power tool operation
- machinery
- forklift truck
- overhead crane operation
- engineering systems
- civil engineering
- machine operation
- machinery installation
- disassembler
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- taking responsibility
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualification.
Or a National Qualification or National Certificate (SCFQ Level 4-6), Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) in areas such as:
mechanical engineering
electrical and electronic engineering technologies
maintenance engineering technologies
renewable energy
engineering
Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF Level 2-6) with no formal qualifications, but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ Level 4).
With relevant experience and qualifications (SCQF Level 7/ SVQ Level 3) you may be able to become an engineering technician.
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