Craft technician
Level 3 · AdvancedCreative and design 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Craft Technician apprenticeship is a broad manufacturing and engineering programme that develops precision skills in machining, fabrication, or maintenance to support production in engineering and technology businesses. You will work with machine tools, materials, and processes to produce components or maintain equipment to tight specifications. This Level 3 qualification leads to careers across aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, and precision engineering sectors.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Engineering materials and their properties - metals, plastics, and composites
Precision measurement and inspection using gauges, micrometers, and CMMs
Machining processes including turning, milling, grinding, and drilling
Engineering drawings, geometric tolerancing, and technical specifications
Safe working practices including COSHH, machine guarding, and PPE
Quality management and how to identify and prevent non-conformance
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up and operate conventional or CNC machine tools to produce components
Measure and inspect finished parts to engineering drawing tolerances
Carry out first-off inspections and complete production documentation
Maintain machines and tooling, carrying out basic preventive tasks
Identify and correct deviations during machining to avoid scrap
Follow safe working procedures and complete risk assessments for tasks
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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