CNC Machining Apprentice

Summary

Gain hands-on experience in machining manufacturing through a 3½-year apprenticeship, combining college study and on-site training. Learn engineering, inspection, and planning skills while earning a qualification and preparing for a career in aerospace.

Wage

£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Salary sacrifice-led pension plan that matches employee contributions up to 7% Employee Assistance Programme. Free life assurance cover at the value of four times basic annual salary. Company sick pay.

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 4:30pm. Friday, 8.00am - 1.00pm.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 4 August 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

The successful applicants will be given a full well-rounded understanding of the Composites/Aerospace Manufacturing process.

During this 3½ year apprenticeship, you will learn that a skilled machinist creates precision parts which are then used on a daily basis, across the world, in almost everything you see.

As well as learning the fundamentals of engineering theory and manufacturing processes, you will gain experience in using the latest computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools to cut, drill and finish components. Duties/responsibilities will include;

Learn how to set and operate the CNC machines
Responsibility for maintaining the quality of aerospace parts which you have created
Checking general maintenance/operation of machines on daily basis and reporting any issues
Working as a team to support other manufacturing departments to uphold high customer service
Removal of waste materials and keeping work area clean and tidy

Where you'll work

Teledyne CML Composites
Unit A
6 Tebay Road
Wirral
CH62 3PA

Training

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

College or training organisation

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

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

In-house training plus the candidate will follow a Level 3 Apprenticeship programme and study towards a Machining Technician standard. This training will be structured and delivered by Cheshire College – South & West. If the candidate does not hold GCSE grades A-C (9-4) or equivalent, they will be required to complete a Level 2 Functional Skill in the relevant subject.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade C/4)
Maths (grade C/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

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working

Other requirements

Citizen Verification Check will be required.

About this company

We are a fast-growing manufacturer, supplying carbon/glass fibre composite parts and assemblies to some of the world’s leading aircraft and aero engine producers. Operating across different distinct product groups namely commercial, and business jet products, this role is an opportunity to join a team putting the finishing touches to our highly technical products.

Company benefits

Holiday purchase scheme which enables employees to purchase an additional week’s worth of annual leave each year. Comprehensive wellbeing programme that supports employees with their physical, mental and financial health.

After this apprenticeship

Potential for full time role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

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