CNC Programmer / Operator Apprentice
INTERNATIONAL DRILLING SERVICES LIMITED
Chesterfield (S41 9QB)
Closes on Monday 24 August 2026
Posted on 16 July 2026
Contents
Summary
CNC Programmer / Operator, to operate computer-controlled lathe. The candidate will be required to understand and convert technical designs into machine-readable instructions, set up the machinery, and oversee the production of precision components.
- Wage
-
£23,982 a year
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
08:00 - 16:00, Monday - Friday.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 31 August 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
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
CNC Programmer / Operator, to operate computer-controlled lathe. The candidate will be required to understand and convert technical designs into machine-readable instructions, set up the machinery, and oversee the production of precision components. This will involve interpreting drawings, generating code, adjusting tools,
and performing quality control checks to ensure parts meet exact specifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Programming: Translate CAD drawings into G-code or M-code to program precise tool paths, cutting speeds, and feed rates.
- Machine Setup: Secure raw materials, install cutting tools, set work coordinates, carry out first-off checks.
- Operation: Run machining cycles, monitor real-time processes, and make offset adjustments.
- Quality Control: Inspect finished parts using precision measuring
instruments such as micrometers, Vernier callipers. - Maintenance: Perform routine preventive maintenance and safety checks to ensure equipment remains operational.
The successful candidate will work in an up-to-date machine workshop making parts for geotechnical survey and horizontal directional drilling projects around the world.
Where you'll work
Carrwood Road
Chesterfield Trading Estate
Sheepbridge
Chesterfield
S41 9QB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE
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
An apprenticeship allows you to earn a wage, gain valuable work experience and industry-specific competence. You will be expected to work towards the Machining Technician Level 3, with support from your employer and the Chesterfield College Group.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C or above)
- Maths (grade 4/C or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
Other requirements
Candidate must be 18+ years old due to the nature of the work.
About this employer
IDS is an industry leader in the manufacture and supply of in-hole tools and associated products for exploration/utility drilling and subcontract precision and general engineering. Established in 1981, International Drilling Services (IDS) Ltd began as a specialist manufacturer and supplier of down-hole drilling equipment and has extended its services over the decades to offer an extensive range of drill pipe and down-hole tooling products for various drilling applications.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Potential for full time employment for the right candidate.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE
John Sheldon
sheldonj@chesterfield.ac.uk
01246500681
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000043151.
Apply now
Closes on Monday 24 August 2026