Apprentice Mechanical Engineering Technician

PRECISE COMPONENT MANUFACTURE LTD

Sandy (SG19 1RB)

Closes on Tuesday 31 March 2026

Posted on 5 January 2026

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Summary

Join this hands-on apprenticeship in Precision Manufacturing! Working alongside skilled engineers,getting experience across CNC machining, manual machining and advanced finishing techniques while studying towards a recognised qualification.This is a rare opportunity build a long-term career within a high-quality, engineering environment

• Wage:

  £16,640 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  You’ll have access to extra rewards and benefits. This includes the MyCI bonus scheme, where you can earn up to £1,000 per quarter based on performance above and beyond, which is decided by peer voting.

• Training course: Machining technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Thursday 07:30- 16:15, Fridays 07:30- 15:00

  40 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 2026

• Duration:

  4 years

• 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

This role is ideal if you’re leaving school and looking to start a hands-on career rather than staying in the classroom full time. Your day will be a mix of practical work and learning, with plenty of support from experienced engineers who will guide you every step of the way.

On a typical day or week, you’ll be learning how to use workshop machinery, helping to set up and operate manual and CNC machines, and assisting with assembling and finishing precision-engineered parts. You’ll be shown how to check parts for quality, follow engineering drawings, and work safely in a professional engineering environment.

You’ll also attend college as part of your apprenticeship and have regular reviews to help you build confidence, develop new skills, and track your progress. Over time, you’ll take on more responsibility as your knowledge grows, working towards becoming a fully qualified Mechanical Engineering Technician.

Where you'll work

5 Gosforth Close
Sandy
SG19 1RB

Training

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

Training provider

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

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.

Training schedule

Beyond your day-to-day workshop tasks, you’ll get extra training to help you build skills for your long-term career. This includes learning about health and safety, quality standards, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that aren’t tied to a single machine but are important for every engineer.

You’ll also get coaching on using tools, understanding engineering drawings, and working efficiently, plus opportunities to attend short courses or workshops on things like CNC programming, CAD/CAM software, or specialist finishing techniques.

Regular reviews and mentoring sessions will help you track your progress, set goals, and grow your confidence—so you’re learning both the technical and “career-ready” skills that will make you a great engineer.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4 or C)
• Maths (grade 4 or C)

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

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Other requirements

A few things to keep in mind about this role:

You’ll be working in a busy engineering workshop, so it can get noisy at times.

The role is hands-on, which means standing for long periods, using machinery, and sometimes lifting or moving parts and materials safely.

You’ll need to follow health & safety rules at all times and wear the correct protective equipment.

About this employer

PCML has been creating precision metal parts for over 20 years. We work with industries like motorsport, defence, medical devices, and cutting-edge technology, turning ideas and prototypes into real, working products. Across our sites, we have approximately 110 employees and around 68 machines, including 2 robot loaders and a 32-pallet automated milling machine, giving you the chance to work with some of the most advanced equipment in the industry.

At PCML, you’ll be part of a team that values learning, innovation, and teamwork. You’ll get hands-on experience, learn from skilled engineers, and see your work used in real-world projects that make a difference. We invest in our people, offering opportunities to develop skills, take on responsibility, and grow your career.

Company benefits

You’ll also be covered by Healthshield, giving you access to extra healthcare support and cashback when you need it.

After this apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is your first step into an exciting engineering career. Once qualified, you could move into roles such as CNC Programmer, Production Engineer, Quality Technician, or Senior Technician. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to become a team leader, supervisor, or specialise further in areas like CAD/CAM, precision finishing, production planning, or quality management.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000006633.

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 31 March 2026