Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Working Life

Engineering machine operators use automatic and semi-automatic machine tools including capstan lathes, borers, presses, and drilling, grinding and milling machines to produce engineering parts.

This may involve switching on a machine, keeping it supplied with raw material, watching the controls while it is running and switching the machine off if anything goes wrong.

Some jobs involve setting the machines, selecting the cutting tools and machine speeds, and following instructions and diagrams to carry out the machining operation.

Most machine operators train to use a single machine and may produce up to about 1000 items a day, although the type of machine and skill needed varies. For example, turners use lathes that spin pieces of metal at high speeds. The lathe holds the material and rotates it around a horisontal axis against a tool that shapes it.

A capstan lathe allows the machinist to do a number of cutting jobs one after the other. Some machinists are involved in milling.

This is a process that uses a revolving cutter to take off metal from an object held by clamps or vices on a workbench.

Machine operators work mainly indoors in workshops and factories. Because the work may be messy or dirty, they may need to wear overalls and possibly protective footwear, goggles or gloves. It's usually noisy.

Machine operators spend a great deal of their time standing or sitting at their machines. The work may also involve lifting and moving heavy materials.

The quality of all materials produced need to be checked.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
• Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
• Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
• Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
• Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
• Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
• Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
• Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
• Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
• Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.

Further Information

• Engineering Operative- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Training varies according to the type and complexity of the job. You may get on-the-job training from a skilled operative or supervisor, or go on a work-based training programme. SOLAS run courses in Machine Tool Operating and General Engineering Operatives. Courses run at levels 4-6, based on program.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering, manufacturing, engineering, OEM, original equipment manufacturing, welding, fabrication.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, manufacturing.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM).

In Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM), industrial and engineering service management are available. These options offer earn & learn pathways with employment as you start and learn.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €29k - €60k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Sigmar/ Indeed/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: March, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paper and wood machine operatives; Coal mine operatives; Quarry workers and related operatives; Energy plant operatives; Metal working machine operatives; Water and sewerage plant operatives; Printing machine assistants; Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite the strong employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment only returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2022.

Although the green transition may result in an increased demand for elementary workers in energy and sewerage plant operations, the small numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation do not allow for detailed demand analysis.

• Skillsnets manufacturing Sector

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• Irish Manufacturing research

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