Apprentice Toolmaker

SOUTHCO MANUFACTURING LIMITED

Worcester (WR4 9FA)

Closes on Tuesday 31 March 2026

Posted on 17 December 2025

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Summary

The Apprentice Toolmaker will learn how to manufacture, assemble, maintain, and repair precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and moulds used in manufacturing processes. Through a combination of workplace training and formal apprenticeship study, the apprentice will develop the skills required to become a qualified Toolmaker.

Wage

£18,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Annual bonus scheme – performance based.  Target is 5% of base salary

Training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm (3pm finish on a Friday)

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 3 August 2026

Duration

3 years 9 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

Under supervision and as skills develop, the apprentice will:

  • Learn to interpret engineering drawings, CAD data, and technical specifications
  • Manufacture precision components using manual and CNC machines (e.g. lathes, milling machines, grinders, EDM)
  • Assemble, fit, and test tools, jigs, fixtures, dies, and moulds
  • Carry out tool maintenance, fault-finding, and repairs to support production
  • Use hand tools and measuring equipment such as micrometers, verniers, and gauges
  • Learn heat treatment, polishing, and finishing techniques
  • Follow safe working practices and comply with Health & Safety regulations
  • Maintain a clean and organised work area
  • Record work completed and contribute to continuous improvement activities
  • Attend college/training provider sessions and complete all required coursework and assessments

Where you'll work

Touchpoint
Wainwright Road
Worcester
WR4 9FA

Training

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

Training provider

HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

Formal training is delivered at HWGTA, located in Worcester (WR4 9GN).

Level 3 comprises of:

Duration approximately 40-45 months.

Year 1, between 22–39 weeks are spent at HWGTA Training Centre developing practical engineering skills, alongside one day per week in the classroom, completing the theoretical elements of the EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.

Year 2, predominantly based in your company, returning to the Training Centre one day per week to continue and complete the specialised elements of their Level 3 Diploma (Development Knowledge).

Years 3–4
Based full-time in your company, developing practical skills and knowledge in preparation for the End Point Assessment to gain your Toolmaker (Engineering Technician) qualification. 

More training information

Additional training for functional skills in English and maths will be undertaken if needed.

There is also a five-day teambuilding residential trip that is held in the spring of each year offered to all apprentices on programme.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • Any subject (grade A*-C/ 4-9)
  • Any subject (grade A*-C/ 4-9)
  • Any subject (grade A*-C/ 4-9)
  • English (grade A*-C/ 4-9)
  • Maths (grade A*-C/ 4-9)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working

About this employer

With over 70 years of engineering excellence and more than 4000 employees in 20 countries, Southco is a global leader for the manufacturing of engineered access solutions, products that you and thousands of others interact with every day. Our products form what we call "touch points", such as locks, latches, fasteners, hinges, handles and many other products that serve virtually hundreds of industries worldwide.

https://southco.com/en_gb_int/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

  • Qualified Toolmaker

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000005392.

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 31 March 2026

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