8139 Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.
Unit group 8139 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.
In short
- ONS unit group 8139, in minor group 813 (Plant and machine operatives) and major group 8 (Process, plant and machine operatives).
- Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
- Going rate as the tables print it:
What the ONS says
Description
Job holders in this unit group operate a variety of plant and machinery not elsewhere classified in minor group 813: Plant and machine operatives.
Typical entry routes
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs are available in some areas.
Tasks
- operates acetylene torches and other cutting equipment to dismantle boilers, cars, ships, railway track, engines, machinery and other scrap metal
- bends, coils, crimps and spins metal wires in the manufacture of cables, springs, ropes and other wire goods
- operates machines in the manufacture of nuts, bolts, nails, screws, pins, rivets, etc.
- fills grease gun with grease of appropriate grade, and applies grease or oil to grease points or lubrication holes in machinery or equipment and over bearings, axles and other similar parts
- ensures that rollers in rope haulage system are well greased and running freely
- inspects machines and equipment, and reports any faults
Related job titles
- Bench hand (metal trades)
- Cable maker (spring mfr)
- Laser operator
- Manufacturer (metal goods mfr)
- Saw doctor
What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says
The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.
Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes
- SOC 2020 occupation code
- 8139 Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified
- Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)
- Bench hand (metal trades)
- Cable maker (spring mfr)
- Laser operator
- Manufacturer (metal goods mfr)
- Saw doctor
Other unit groups in minor group 813
- 8131 Paper and wood machine operatives
- 8132 Mining and quarry workers and related operatives
- 8133 Energy plant operatives
- 8134 Water and sewerage plant operatives
- 8135 Printing machine assistants
Sources
Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.
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