Turner

As a turner you will be working with a variety of machine tools, ranging from small work-top based machines, to large free-standing machines. You will be producing precision engineered metal products used in the manufacturing and engineering industries.

Also known as:

• CNC machinist
• Lathe turner
• Manual turner

Work activities

As a turner you will be producing precision engineered metal products which are used in the manufacturing and engineering industries. You will need to carefully follow the instructions you are given so that the finished product meets the expected requirements.

Some turners use manually operated lathes to shape the metal they are working on, while other turners use Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) lathes. CNC lathes are operated by computer programmed commands. As a CNC turner you will need to make sure that the correct programmes are used and also ensure sure that the lathe is operating correctly.

As a turner, you other duties could include:

• Carefully reading and checking product plans and blueprints.
• Follow the required quality checks of the finished product.
• Ensure that the product passes a final inspection.
• Report any faults and maintenance requirements.
• Setting and operating CNC lathes, and occasionally creating new programmes.

You may be required to carry out maintenance on your lathe. This could include:

• Overhauling machine gearboxes.
• Replacing bearings.
• Renewing seals in hydraulic and pneumatic equipment.

Personal qualities and skills

As a turner, you’ll need:

Good practical skills.

• An interest in understanding how machines work.
• To understand technical information and diagrams.
• To be able to write reports, describing the repairs and services you have carried out.
• To understand and follow health and safety regulations.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

You will need to be able to spot faulty machine parts.

You will need to ask questions to find out what is wrong with the machine, and you will also need to have the ability to explain  problems and repairs to supervisors and managers

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Turners earn in the range:

• Starting: £19,000
• With experience, up to £33,000

Turners usually work for 42-44 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, shift work, night and weekend work may be required.

Employers are a broad range of manufacturing companies. Opportunities for turners occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job or Find an Apprenticeship services. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training 

There are no specific entry requirements for this career. Relevant apprenticeships include:

• Advanced furniture CNC technician (level 3/advanced)
• Engineering technician (level 3/advanced)

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need to be 16 to take and hold GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these while undertaking your apprenticeship if you don’t already have them.

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.

Those with skills gained in industrial production work have an advantage, including:

• Plant maintenance
• Mechanical fault finding
• Reading and following engineering technical drawings
• Installation
• Manual machine operation

Related careers

• Machine operator