Metal engraver

Metal engravers cut designs and lettering into all types of metals. Varying levels of skill are involved. Most jobs are done using computers and engraving machinery. However, there are still some engravers who work by hand.

Also known as:

• Engraver

Work activities

Engravers inscribe designs and/or letters into metals including aluminium, stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, and precious metals such as gold and silver. Engravers decorate objects such as plaques, bowls, pieces of jewellery and clock faces. They also mark inscriptions or lettering for nameplates, trophies, cups, gifts and so on. In industry, engravers produce signs and machine labels, control panels, dials and measuring scales for equipment. Engravers cut into flat or curved surfaces, or use techniques to raise lettering or patterns from the metal. They follow customer requirements, which can involve copying existing patterns onto objects. Highly skilled engravers, working with decorative objects, may create their own designs.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

The skills you need vary according to the type of engraving you do. Generally, you will need:

• An aptitude for practical craft work.
• A steady hand and good co-ordination.
• An interest in art and design.
• Good IT skills.
• To be creative.
• An eye for detail.

Machine engravers can spend a long time on their feet; others may spend much of the day sitting.

Pay and opportunities

There is limited online data available to indicate how much you may earn as an engraver. Engravers usually work a 40-42 hour week, however, late finishes and weekend work may be required. Part-time opportunities are also available.

Demand for metal engravers is steady. However, opportunities for employment with firms of hand engravers and engine turners are limited.

Employers are hand and machine engraving companies. Opportunities for machine engravers occur with firms in towns and cities throughout the UK. However, more opportunities for machine engravers occur with firms in London and Birmingham, as the major centres for the jewellery industry.

You may become self-employed as any type of engraver. Opportunities occur for experienced engravers to work independently as self-employed craftworkers.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. Artistic qualifications will be useful for new entrants. An advanced (level 3) apprenticeship in the role of jewellery, silversmith and allied trades professional is a good way into this role.

Most of your training for this type of work will be done on-the-job. You might attend college on a part-time basis.

It is very common for engravers to become self-employed. For employed engravers, progression is usually to supervisory positions.

Qualifications

You do not usually need qualifications to get into this job, but it’s always useful to have some GCSEs, or equivalent. Subjects like design and technology (resistant materials technology), manufacturing, and art and design will be helpful. Experience of working with your hands in areas such as woodwork or metalwork is very useful and in many cases is more important than qualifications.

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained using your hands in a skilled way can be important. Some artistic ability is needed for certain jobs. A background in craft design and metalwork can be an advantage.

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