CNC Machining Apprentice
TDR TRAINING LTD
Newcastle Upon Tyne (NE12 8EX)
Closes on Monday 30 March 2026
Posted on 24 February 2026
Contents
Summary
We are currently looking to secure CNC apprenticeship positions for a number of employers throughout the region. Start dates are: 13th April, 25th May, 29th June and 14th September.
- Wage
-
£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday. 8am - 4.30pm
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 13 April 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
9
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
- Assist in the setup, operation and maintenance of CNC machines under the guidance of experienced machinists.
- Learn to read technical drawings, measure and inspect parts for quality, and follow safety protocols.
- Develop hands-on skills in machining, programming, and tool handling to support production processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support CNC machine operations and setups.
- Learn to interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
- Inspect and measure finished components for accuracy.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
- Assist senior machinists in daily tasks and projects.
Where you'll work
Q1
Quorum Business Park, Benton Lane
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE12 8EX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
TDR TRAINING LIMITED
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
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
About this employer
TDR Training is a North East based training provider that helps young people turn curiosity about how things work into real engineering, science, or business careers. They partner with employers to deliver high-quality apprenticeships and practical skills training that combine hands-on experience with formal study. Apprentices are employed while they learn — getting paid, earning nationally recognised qualifications, and building real workplace experience in exciting sectors like advanced manufacturing, engineering maintenance, CNC machining, fabrication, science, and business support.
What makes TDR stand out is their supportive approach: you don’t just sit in a classroom — you learn from industry professionals, work with real companies, and develop skills that employers value. Their programmes span intermediate to higher levels, including paths that could lead to technician, designer, or engineering leadership roles.
Beyond apprenticeships, TDR offers Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and training tailored to specific career goals or employer needs. They celebrate apprentice achievements through events like the TDR Trust Apprenticeship Awards, connecting future engineers with industry leaders.
For aspiring engineers, TDR Training is more than a training provider — it’s a bridge from your first step into technical skills to a long-term career shaping the machines, structures, and technologies that keep the world moving.
After this apprenticeship
A CNC Machining Apprentice begins by learning foundational skills, including machine setup, basic programming, and reading technical drawings under supervision. With experience, they progress to becoming a Junior CNC Machinist, handling more complex parts and independently operating machines. Over time, they can advance to a CNC Machinist or Operator, mastering multiple machines, tooling, and programming languages. Further growth may lead to Senior Machinist, CNC Programmer, or Production Supervisor roles, overseeing teams and processes. With additional training, some pursue specialized paths such as Tooling Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, or Quality Control Specialist, combining technical expertise with leadership and problem-solving responsibilities.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TDR TRAINING LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017227.
Apply now
Closes on Monday 30 March 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.