Advanced furniture CNC technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An advanced furniture CNC technician programmes, sets up, and operates computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery to manufacture high-quality furniture components to precise specifications. Apprentices learn to read technical drawings, write and edit CNC programmes, and maintain machines to ensure consistent quality in a furniture production environment. This role can lead to CNC programmer, production supervisor, or technical specialist positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
CNC machine programming using CAD/CAM software
Reading and interpreting technical engineering drawings
Setting up and calibrating CNC routers and machining centres
Material properties of timber, board materials, and composites
Quality inspection techniques and measurement tools
Preventive maintenance and fault diagnosis on CNC equipment
Health and safety in a woodworking machinery environment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Write and edit CNC programmes for furniture component production
Set up tooling, jigs, and fixtures on CNC machines before runs
Operate CNC machinery to produce components to drawing tolerances
Inspect finished components against quality specifications
Identify and resolve programme or tooling issues during production
Carry out routine maintenance and log machine performance
Liaise with designers and production teams on component requirements
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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