Machining technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A machining technician sets up and operates a range of CNC and conventional machine tools to produce precision engineered components to tight tolerances for sectors including aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing. At level 3, apprentices develop the technical skills to interpret engineering drawings, select tooling, and produce parts that meet quality requirements. The role leads to CNC programmer, quality inspector, or manufacturing engineer careers.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Engineering drawing interpretation including GD&T symbols and tolerances
CNC programming fundamentals using G-code and CAM software
Setting and operating CNC milling, turning, and grinding machines
Cutting tool selection and how to optimise feeds, speeds, and tool life
Quality inspection using measuring instruments including micrometers and CMMs
Material properties of metals and how they affect machining strategies
Health and safety in a machining environment including swarf management and guards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up CNC machines by loading programs, setting datums, and fitting tooling
Machine components to drawing specification using turning, milling, or grinding operations
Inspect finished parts using hand gauges, CMMs, and optical measuring equipment
Adjust offsets and parameters to bring parts within tolerance
Edit and prove out CNC programs to optimise cycle times and surface finish
Maintain machines by carrying out daily checks and reporting defects
Complete job cards and quality records for every batch produced
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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