26-0019 Apprentice CNC Machinist
Niftylift Ltd
Barnsley (S74 9TF)
Closes on Friday 31 July 2026
Posted on 5 February 2026
Contents
Summary
The candidate will operate CNC Machining centres to achieve required quality and at the required output. They will provide feedback and ideas for improving the process and identifying & reporting reasons for any delays, failure to achieve efficiency targets and quality concerns.
- Wage
-
£16,640 a year
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, shifts to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 8 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 3 months
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Role & responsibilities:
- Operate horizontal twin pallet machining centres to machine large fabrications
- Make necessary adjustments to the Machining parameters/ off sets etc. as with any repeat production requirements (not programme changes)
- Make tool changes where required, using tool setting equipment and selection of correct cutting tips and adjustments
- Ability to use gauges and measuring equipment for inspection purposes
- Carry out process operations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, Quality in process inspection and Pre-delivery Inspection
- Complete administration required for updating production control systems for job completion and inventory accuracy
- Report all machining defects through our internal Concern Note process, to enable containment, correction and the review of root causes to implement preventative action
- Carry out daily, weekly and monthly Operator Planned Maintenance Tasks
- Ensure 5S standards are maintained daily and continuously improved in line with monthly audit actions
- Be a committed team player with emphasis on flexibility, productivity and be focused continuous improvement
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation, this may include training and mentoring colleagues.
Where you'll work
Platts Common Industrial Estate
Mason Way
Hoyland
Barnsley
S74 9TF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
Training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.
- Comply with environmental, ethical and sustainability regulations and procedures: safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials and efficient use of resources.
- Prepare and set up conventional or CNC machines.
- Operate and adjust conventional or CNC machines.
- Apply risk assessment and hazard identification processes and procedures in the work area.
- Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies, and complete stock returns.
- Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
- Read and interpret information. For example, data and documentation used to produce machined components.
- Apply engineering, mathematical and scientific principles.
- Plan and organise own work and resources.
- Follow and apply inspection, quality assurance procedures and processes.
- Select machining process.
- Select and setup tooling and work holding devices.
- Set and adjust machine operating parameters. For example, setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations, loading, proving and validating programs when using a CNC machine tool.
- Apply machining operations and techniques to produce complex components with features. For example, parallel; stepped; angular diameters and faces; grooves; slots; recesses and undercuts; radii and chamfers; internal and external forms and profiles; reamed; bored; drilled and electro eroded holes; internal and external screw threads.
- Measure and check components.
- Select and check condition of tools and equipment. Identify issues, resolve and take action as needed.
- Identify and action issues in the manufacturing process.
- Apply fault-finding and diagnostic testing procedures to identify faults. Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
- Maintain the work area and return any resources and consumables.
- Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Follow machine shut down, safe isolation, handover, start up or warm up procedures. Escalate issues.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
- Apply ethical principles.
- Apply team working principles.
- Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.
- Comply with environmental, ethical and sustainability regulations and procedures: safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials and efficient use of resources.
- Prepare and set up conventional or CNC machines.
- Operate and adjust conventional or CNC machines.
- Apply risk assessment and hazard identification processes and procedures in the work area.
- Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies, and complete stock returns.
- Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
- Read and interpret information. For example, data and documentation used to produce machined components.
- Apply engineering, mathematical and scientific principles.
- Plan and organise own work and resources.
- Follow and apply inspection, quality assurance procedures and processes.
- Select machining process.
- Select and setup tooling and work holding devices.
- Set and adjust machine operating parameters. For example, setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations, loading, proving and validating programs when using a CNC machine tool.
- Apply machining operations and techniques to produce complex components with features. For example, parallel; stepped; angular diameters and faces; grooves; slots; recesses and undercuts; radii and chamfers; internal and external forms and profiles; reamed; bored; drilled and electro eroded holes; internal and external screw threads.
- Measure and check components.
- Select and check condition of tools and equipment. Identify issues, resolve and take action as needed.
- Identify and action issues in the manufacturing process.
- Apply fault-finding and diagnostic testing procedures to identify faults. Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
- Maintain the work area and return any resources and consumables.
- Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Follow machine shut down, safe isolation, handover, start up or warm up procedures. Escalate issues.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
- Apply ethical principles.
- Apply team working principles.
Training schedule
You will study on a Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship.
On completion of this, you will gain a qualification in Engineering at Level 3 Standard.
During the first year of the apprenticeship, your learning will take place at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre based at Catcliffe, Rotherham, for an initial block of study on a full-time basis. After this, you will attend the Training Centre for one day a week for knowledge study.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English Language (grade 4)
- Mathematics (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
About this employer
Niftylift is one of the largest mobile elevating work platform* (MEWP) manufacturers in Europe and sells its market-leading products worldwide. We specialise in compact, low-weight articulating booms that offer maximum performance with minimal environmental impact.
We use advanced 3D-modelling software together with rigorous testing to optimise every aspect of our product design and to ensure that every Niftylift work platform delivers outstanding performance without compromising on functionality or reliability.
With years of experience designing machines for the rental industry, we understand the importance of reliability, ease of operation, minimal maintenance, and excellent after-sales support to our customers.
Through investment in staff, manufacturing equipment and technology, we maintain an ongoing commitment to our customers to consistently produce high-quality innovative products that meet or exceed their expectations.
* Also known as cherry pickers.
After this apprenticeship
- Completion of the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications which are acknowledged and respected by employers across the world
- These can open the door to many more opportunities, such as Engineering Management and Project Engineering positions across a range of sectors worldwide
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013493.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 31 July 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.