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3D printing technician
3D printing technicians make different products, such as medical implants, car parts, aircraft parts or fashion accessories.
Average salary (a year)
£19000.0
Starter
£38000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 42.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
on a rota
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in a subject like
3D design, product design, engineering, materials science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could take a course in creative design, model making or engineering to help you to find a job.
Specific courses you could take to become a 3D printing technician include
Level 2 Certificate in Computer Aided Design, Level 3 Award in 3D Computer Aided Design, Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology, T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
Entry requirements
You may need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and computing
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships you could take to become a 3D printing technician include
Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Digital Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You may be able to start as an assistant in a 3D printing workshop and train on the job to become a technician.
You'll find it helpful if you have some experience in manufacturing, model making, printing, technology or design.
More Information
Career Tips
You could learn more about the basics of 3D printing. This might help you decide if you'd enjoy a career as a 3D printing technician.
Further Information
You can find out more about 3D printing and design engineering from The Welding Institute.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Knowledge of engineering science and technology
    The ability to operate and control equipment
    Analytical thinking skills
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to analyse quality or performance
    Knowledge of maths
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a 3D printing technician you might
make digital models and prototypes based on a customer's needs, operate 3D scanning and printing machines, clean, sand, polish or apply finishes to products, work out how much it will cost to create parts or products, inspect products to check quality and pack them for delivery, service and repair equipment
Working environment
You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a factory or at a research facility.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Your working environment may be noisy.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience you could
move into researching new 3D materials, train to develop new 3D printing software and hardware, specialise in a certain area of 3D printing, such as prosthetics or models, train others in 3D printing techniques and methods
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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