Machining Technician L3 Apprenticeship

Summary

GTR is a composite manufacturing company looking for Apprentice Machining Technicians to join their friendly team. You will develop skills in producing high end components across various industries including motorsport, automotive and aerospace whilst studying for a Machining Technician L3 Apprenticeship. GTR is proud to be an inclusive & equal

Wage

£17,680 a year

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Annual

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.30pm with half hour for lunch and 2 x 15-minute breaks during the day.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 6 October 2025

Duration

3 years 6 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

As a Machining Apprentice Technician, you will work under the guidance of experienced machinists and technicians to develop the skills necessary for a career in machining.

This role combines hands-on experience with formal learning and will allow you to gain a deep understanding of machining processes, techniques, and tools used to manufacture precision parts and components.

Key Responsibilities:

Setting up, operating, and maintaining various types of machine tools, such as milling machines, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment
Learning how to read and interpret technical drawings to ensure parts are made to precise specifications and tolerances
Gain knowledge of the properties of different materials (metal, plastics, and composites), as well as the machining methods required for each
Develop expertise in performing tasks such as cutting, drilling, grinding, and polishing materials
Learn to calibrate machines, adjust settings, and monitor the performance of equipment to ensure that finished products meet high standards of quality and accuracy
Learn to troubleshoot machine malfunctions, performing routine maintenance, and following health and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment

A significant part of the apprenticeship involves gaining an understanding of quality control and inspection methods, such as using precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers) to verify the dimensions and quality of the components being produced.

The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong interest in the manufacturing and engineering of motorsport and automotive components, with good attention to detail and a great working ethic.

Where you'll work

Westergate Works
Denmans Lane
Arundel
West Sussex
BN18 0SU

Training

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

College or training organisation

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

Your training course

Machining technician (level 3)

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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
Mentoring with experienced colleagues in the role

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths (grade 9-4)
English (grade 9-4)

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

Willing to learn and develop
Ability to work within a team
Reliability
Punctuality
Hardworking
Positive ‘can-do’ attitude
Good communication skills
Good attention to detail
Strong work ethic
Strong Numeracy Skills
Dedication
Team Player

Other requirements

For the whole duration of the apprenticeship, you will be based at the Arundel site. Own transportation is required as the closest train station would be Barnham and bus routes are limited. This apprenticeship requires full-time commitment of a minimum 40 hours per week including attendance at Chichester College -This is a 42-month apprenticeship (training period) -For apprentices under 18 - £8.50 per hour (£17,680 per annum) and over 18’s - £9.00 per hour (£18,720 per annum) You must be free from full time education to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. -You MUST BE resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK. You must be a resident in the area local to the apprenticeship opportunity or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. You must be committed to completing the full apprenticeship.

About this company

GTR is an industry leading composite manufacturing company, and prides itself on delivering quality high-end products, with excellent service to all our customers, whilst ensuring that we create a great place to work for everyone. GTR is proud to be an inclusive & equal opportunities employer.

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship there is the potential to continue study at Level 4 and beyond along with the opportunity to experience different disciplines and departments within the organisation

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