Machining Technician Apprentice
THOMAS KEATING LTD
WEST SUSSEX (RH14 9SH)
Closes in 17 days (Monday 25 May 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 8 May 2026
Contents
Summary
Join Thomas Keating Limited and train as a machining technician producing precision components using CNC and manual machines. As a Machining Technician Apprentice you will gain hands-on experience in a high-tech environment while working towards your Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship and developing practical manufacturing skills.
- Wage
-
£15,808 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, including half day on Friday, and one day study at Crawley College.
38 hours a week
- Start date
-
Thursday 10 September 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
This hands-on role combines practical workshop experience with structured training, allowing you to build a strong foundation in machining, engineering principles, and quality control while working alongside experienced engineers and toolmakers.
What you will gain:
- Learn to read engineering drawings, set up tooling, inspect parts, and maintain high quality standards.
- The skills and knowledge needed to manufacture high-precision components used in space flight and scientific instrumentation projects.
- To operate a range of manual and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines to produce components to tight tolerances.
The role involves understanding engineering drawings, selecting appropriate tools and materials, and ensuring that all work meets strict quality and safety standards. Over time, you will take on increasing responsibility as your skills develop, contributing to real production work within a supportive, high-tech environment.
Key responsibilities and tasks include:
- Assisting in the setup and operation of CNC milling and turning machines
- Learning to use manual machines such as lathes, mills, , drills and surface grinders
- Interpreting technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering specifications
- Selecting appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, and materials for each job
- Monitoring machining processes and making adjustments where required
- Measuring and inspecting finished components using precision instruments (e.g. micrometers, callipers, gauges) -Ensuring components meet strict tolerance and quality requirements
- Supporting routine machine maintenance and basic troubleshooting
- Following health and safety procedures at all times within the workshop
- Maintaining a clean, organised, and efficient working environment
- Recording production data and completing job documentation accurately
- Working closely with engineers and senior technicians to solve problems and improve processes
- Participating in continuous improvement activities within the workshop
As part of the apprenticeship, you will also work towards recognised engineering qualifications, combining on-the-job training with classroom or college-based learning. This will support your understanding of machining theory, materials science, and manufacturing techniques.
Who you will be:
- This role would suit someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work, has a keen eye for detail, and is enthusiastic in engineering and manufacturing
- Someone with a willingness to learn, good problem-solving skills, and a commitment to producing high-quality work are essential
- Someone who, over time, can progress to a skilled technician role and potential career progression within advanced manufacturing in areas such as electroforming and CAD design
Where you'll work
STATION MILLS
BILLINGSHURST
WEST SUSSEX
RH14 9SH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
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:
- English (grade 4)
- Math (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Reliable
- Willing to learn
- Collaborative
- Enthusiastic
About this employer
Thomas Keating Ltd comprises of TK Instruments and TK Machine Toolmaking. Thomas Keating - Instruments draws on tool-making skills to design and develop quasi-optical Terahertz systems and subsystems. Thomas Keating - Toolmaking has a 75-year history of making high precision tooling (press tools, gauges and injection moulds).
After this apprenticeship
There is possibility for onward employment and progression on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000030770.
Apply now
Closes in 17 days (Monday 25 May 2026 at 11:59pm)