Apprentice Wood Machinist

ERCOL FURNITURE LIMITED

Princes Risborough (HP27 9PX)

Closes on Monday 20 July 2026

Posted on 9 April 2026

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Summary

A CNC Wood Machinist Apprentice at ercol learns to operate CNC machines and other woodworking machinery to shape timber into precise furniture parts. The role mixes hands‑on workshop work with digital skills, from reading drawings to measuring components, helping you build confidence with modern manufacturing and real craft techniques

Wage

£16,224 to £25,775.88, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • £17.5k to £20.5K per annum. Dependent upon age.

Training course
Advanced furniture CNC technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 07:00 to 16:30.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 3 August 2026

Duration

2 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

  • A CNC Wood Machinist Apprentice starts the day setting up machines, loading timber and checking tools.
  • You’ll run CNC programs, monitor cuts, and measure parts to make sure they’re accurate.
  • Throughout the day, you move between machines, prep materials, keep your area safe and tidy, and learn new techniques from experienced machinists while producing real components for Ercol furniture.

Where you'll work

Summerleys Road
Princes Risborough
HP27 9PX

Training

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

Training provider

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Advanced furniture CNC technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Set tool compensation data in furniture CNC programmes.
  • Set tool data and parameters in furniture CNC programmes.
  • Optimise machinery for the best yield of materials.
  • Set, load, prove and optimise furniture CNC programmes.
  • Manage resources effectively including raw materials and time.
  • Select tooling suitable for use with materials being processed for example different varieties of wood.
  • Set up and operate furniture CNC/NC (Computer Numerically Controlled/Numerically controlled) machinery using appropriate safety measures and guards.
  • Maintain furniture CNC/NC machinery within limits of responsibility for example lubricating machinery, checking fluid levels, keeping machinery clean.
  • Apply improvement techniques to furniture manufacturing processes for example using different tooling, aggregate heads, tandem loading or tandem loading.
  • Work safely at all times, wearing appropriate PPE, adhering to COSHH records and completing health and safety records and reports.
  • Follow Safe Systems of work for the relevant machining processes.
  • Produce and maintain jigs and holding devices to ensure sufficient workpiece vacuum.
  • Develop and modify furniture CAD drawings to suit CNC processes.
  • Read and interpret furniture specifications and drawings.
  • Use editor software to modify or create furniture CNC programmes.
  • Rectify simple machine faults for example fast running, blunt tooling, burn marks or incorrect tool compensation.
  • Manage self and others and influence teams to achieve objectives.
  • Apply coaching, mentoring and team development techniques such as the GROW model.
  • Develop own skills to improve furniture CNC performance.
  • Train others to use machinery safely to company standards.
  • Record information required accurately for example production records.
  • Set tooling in various holders for example HSK (hollow taper shank), tribos and shrinkfit.
  • Able to check furniture products meet quality standards and furniture specifications.
  • Set tool compensation data in furniture CNC programmes.
  • Set tool data and parameters in furniture CNC programmes.
  • Optimise machinery for the best yield of materials.
  • Set, load, prove and optimise furniture CNC programmes.
  • Manage resources effectively including raw materials and time.
  • Select tooling suitable for use with materials being processed for example different varieties of wood.
  • Set up and operate furniture CNC/NC (Computer Numerically Controlled/Numerically controlled) machinery using appropriate safety measures and guards.
  • Maintain furniture CNC/NC machinery within limits of responsibility for example lubricating machinery, checking fluid levels, keeping machinery clean.
  • Apply improvement techniques to furniture manufacturing processes for example using different tooling, aggregate heads, tandem loading or tandem loading.
  • Work safely at all times, wearing appropriate PPE, adhering to COSHH records and completing health and safety records and reports.
  • Follow Safe Systems of work for the relevant machining processes.
  • Produce and maintain jigs and holding devices to ensure sufficient workpiece vacuum.
  • Develop and modify furniture CAD drawings to suit CNC processes.
  • Read and interpret furniture specifications and drawings.
  • Use editor software to modify or create furniture CNC programmes.
  • Rectify simple machine faults for example fast running, blunt tooling, burn marks or incorrect tool compensation.
  • Manage self and others and influence teams to achieve objectives.
  • Apply coaching, mentoring and team development techniques such as the GROW model.
  • Develop own skills to improve furniture CNC performance.
  • Record information required accurately for example production records.
  • Set tooling in various holders for example HSK (hollow taper shank), tribos and shrinkfit.
  • Able to check furniture products meet quality standards and furniture specifications.

Training schedule

Qualifications included:

  • Advanced Furniture CNC Machinist Apprenticeship Standard.
    Company Training Plan & Assessment.
  • Level 3 Development Competence Diploma in CNC Machining
  • Level 2 Functional Skills - Maths (If required)
  • Level 2 Functional Skills - English (If required)
  • End Point Assessment at the end of the apprenticeship

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

A Min of 5 GCSE's inc English & Maths (grade 4-9 (C-A*))

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness
  • Time Management
  • Motivated

About this employer

ercol is a long‑established British furniture maker known for quality craftsmanship, sustainable materials and timeless design. Our workshop blends traditional skills with modern techniques, creating furniture built to last. Apprentices join a supportive team, learn from experienced makers and help shape pieces loved in homes across the UK.

http://www.ercol.com (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • A CNC Wood Machinist Apprentice can progress into skilled machinist roles, specialising in complex setups, tooling, programming and precision work. With experience, you can move into CNC programmer, production technician, team leader or quality roles, or branch into wider manufacturing, engineering or technical support careers.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Sally Parr

s.parr@theengineeringtrust.org

07879 128768

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025644.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 20 July 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.