CNC Machining Apprentice

Summary

We have a brilliant opportunity for an apprentice to join this major employer in North Tyneside. This is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn. Your training will be underpinned with practical experience which will prepare you for a fantastic career. Start date Summer / September 2025.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 7.00am - 5.15pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Saturday 19 July 2025

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

We are offering a 4 year apprenticeship in which you will benefit from working closely with highly skilled engineers to learn and develop cnc machining skills and knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities

What You’ll Do:

As an apprentice, you will be trained by experienced professionals while studying toward a recognised engineering qualification. You’ll gain hands-on experience with:

Operating CNC milling and turning machines
Reading and interpreting technical drawings
Using precision measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers, gauges)
Understanding programming
Working to strict tolerances and quality standards
Maintaining a clean and safe working environment
What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

Enthusiastic about engineering and manufacturing
Keen to learn, reliable, and committed to personal development
A good communicator and team player
Comfortable working with their hands and using tools
Ideally holds GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
No prior experience needed - just the right attitude and willingness to learn

Where you'll work

WESTMORELAND ROAD
WEST CHIRTON INDUSTRIAL ESTA
NORTH SHIELDS
NE29 8RF

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

TDR TRAINING LIMITED

Your 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.

Your training plan

Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

3 x 5-week practical training modules in hand fitting, turning and milling
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining
End-point assessment

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English Language or English Literature (grade 5/C or above)
Maths (grade 5/C or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Team working
Initiative

About this company

Based in North Shields, Norfran Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer specializing in high-pressure aluminium and zinc die castings. Operating from a 70,000 sq ft facility, we serve diverse sectors including automotive, electrical and industrial engineering. Our services encompass design, project management, CNC machining and finishing, all underpinned by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.

https://norfran.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Full time position upon completion of apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TDR TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000320696.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 18 June 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Applications will be directed to the TDR website where you shall complete a short sign-up form. It is very important that you indicate Norfran in the form. Failure to do this may delay your application.

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