CNC Machining Apprentice
QCD PRECISION LIMITED
Ashington (NE63 8UA)
Closes on Friday 1 May 2026
Posted on 23 March 2026
Contents
Summary
We have a fantastic opportunity for an apprentice to join this fantastic team based in Ashington. This is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn. Your training will be underpinned with practical experience which will prepare you for a career as an apprentice.
- Wage
-
£15,392 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, 8.00am - 4.30pm.
Thursday, 8.00am - 1.00pm.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 26 May 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 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
We are offering a four year apprenticeship where you will work closely with highly skilled engineers to develop your CNC machining skills and knowledge. Through a tailored training programme, you will gain the ability to produce precision machined components for high specification products while also developing important soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
Over the course of the 48 month programme, you will build both practical and theoretical knowledge by combining hands on experience in the workplace with structured off the job learning. This approach ensures you develop the capability and confidence required to succeed in a modern engineering environment.
During the apprenticeship, you will learn to operate CNC lathes and milling machines and develop an understanding of how to machine a wide range of materials. You will build strong fundamental engineering skills before progressing onto a variety of CNC machines using conversational programming techniques. As you gain experience, you will also learn the appropriate methods and techniques required to machine different types of metal, ensuring you are well equipped to handle diverse manufacturing requirements.
Your activities will include:
- Operating CNC lathes and milling machines to manufacture precision components
- Setting up machines, tools and materials in line with engineering drawings
- Learning and applying conversational CNC programming techniques
- Inspecting finished components to ensure they meet quality standards
- Working safely and effectively within an engineering workshop environment
- Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have the skills, knowledge and experience needed to begin your career as a qualified member of the CNC machining team.
Where you'll work
Jubilee Industrial Estate
Ashington
NE63 8UA
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
Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:
- 3 x 5-week practical training modules in hand fitting, turning and milling
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining
- End-point assessment
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English Language or English Literature (grade 5/C or above)
- Maths (grade 5/C or above)
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
- Team working
- Initiative
About this employer
QCD Precision Ltd is a growing engineering and manufacturing company. It specialises in CNC machining, producing high-precision metal components for industries such as oil and gas, automotive, renewable energy, and defence. The company works from prototype to full production, using advanced machinery and quality inspection systems to ensure accuracy and reliability. Due to growth it is relocating to Ashington to a much larger site. The business supports other businesses by supplying complex engineered parts and contributing to the area’s growing advanced manufacturing sector
After this apprenticeship
- Full time position upon completion of apprenticeship
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TDR TRAINING LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000022618.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 1 May 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.