Machine Shop Apprentice

Summary

Craig and Derricott are seeking a Machinist Apprentice to join their team. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with both traditional manual machines and modern CNC equipment. Working alongside experienced staff, you will develop the technical and practical skills needed to become a confident and valued member of the team.

Wage

£17,900 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

7:45am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday 7:45am-1:00pm Friday

38 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years

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

Day to day tasks include:

Use machinery such as lathes, drillers and CAD equipment to manufacture components as required by the department
Assist with maintenance of tools, jigs, fixtures and equipment
Work with various engineering materials including mild steel and aluminium
Learn to set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC machines with guidance from experienced machinists
Learn to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
Measure and inspect parts using precision measuring tools (micrometers, verniers, and gauges)
Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of machines and work areas
Adhere strictly to health and safety procedures and company policies
Participate actively in training sessions, workshops, and coursework as part of the apprenticeship
Collaborate effectively as part of a team
Maintain a clean and oraganised work area

Where you'll work

HALL LANE
WALSALL WOOD
WALSALL
WS9 9DP

Training

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

College or training organisation

IN-COMM TRAINING AND BUSINESS SERVICES 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

This is a Level 3 Machining apprenticeship, delivered over a 36 month period.

The apprentice will attend the training centre, In-Comm Training Services in Aldridge, WS9 8UG, 2 and a half days per week for the first 14 months.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English and Maths (grade 4-9 minimum)

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
Team working
Initiative
Patience
Physical fitness
Interest in engineering

Other requirements

A driving license is an advantage but not a requirement as long as the candidate can get to the company and training provider without issue Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

About this company

Craig and Derricott initially made rotary switches formed the bulk of the company’s production which was soon augmented by a range of heavy-duty pushbutton components and a wide selection of various limit switch formats. With our experienced sales staff and expert technical teams, Craig & Derricott offer a large range of products now including assembled electrical isolation switchgear, control stations, EV Chargers, rail rolling stock components and LED lighting. Supported by a bespoke and special product service known as mi-switch, we offer our customers the opportunity to specify exact requirements which can be made to order.

https://craigandderricott.co.uk/about-us/our-history/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Auto-enrolment pension scheme Operational bonus post - probation Health care cash plan Death in service benefit after 3 months of employment The company sick pay follows the completion of probation Free onsite parking

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there will be a full time position available at the company.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: