Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 3 is the most recognised.
Level 3 most recognisedOpen entry
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
1
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 3)
Any of these strengthens your application.
2
Where this can take you
Can start with no quals via an Engineering & Manufacturing L2 foundation / Engineering Operative L2, then qualify as a skilled turner/machinist through the Machining Technician L3.