Apprentice Wood Machinist (Langley Furniture Works Ltd)
LANGLEY FURNITURE WORKS LIMITED
Northumberland (NE47 5LA)
Closes in 21 days (Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 13 May 2026
Contents
Summary
Langley Furniture Works is seeking a motivated individual to join our skilled team of bench joiners, cabinet makers and wood machinists. You will be trained in all aspects of wood machining to produce high‑quality components, with the long‑term aim of progressing into a valued full‑time team member.
- Wage
-
£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Wood machinist (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.30pm
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Saturday 6 June 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 11 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
As a Wood Machinist Level 2 Apprentice at Langley Furniture Works, most of your apprenticeship will be spent in the workshop gaining hands‑on experience alongside our skilled team. You will learn on the job while developing the practical skills and knowledge needed to become a fully qualified wood machinist.
Your training will cover all aspects of wood machining, from operating and setting machinery to producing high‑quality joinery components. You will gain a strong understanding of how rough‑sawn timber is transformed into finished products, working to detailed specifications and quality standards.
Main duties include (but are not limited to):
- Learning how to safely set up and operate a wide range of wood machining equipment
- Producing joinery & furniture components using machinery, tools and equipment
- Using joint assembly techniques, mechanical fixings and appropriate adhesives
- Working with both solid timber and manufactured boards
- Identifying problems quickly and applying effective solutions
- Working independently and as part of a team in a busy workshop environment
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical work, problem‑solving and learning a skilled trade within a professional joinery and cabinet making environment.
Where you'll work
The Old Brickyard
Langley On Tyne
Hexham
Northumberland
NE47 5LA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Training course
Wood machinist (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Read and interpret job specifications, technical drawings or information for wood machining activity.
- Plan wood machining activity including timescales for completion and organise materials and resources.
- Prepare, maintain and restore the work area.
- Apply safe systems of working including risk assessment.
- Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Comply with procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- Follow workplace operating procedures.
- Store tools and equipment.
- Select tools, equipment, and machinery for wood machining activity.
- Apply first line maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery. For example, checking condition, cleaning, lubrication, visual inspection, calibration checks, sharpening and servicing.
- Identify and select materials used in wood machining.
- Measure and mark out materials.
- Prepare, check and use jigs and templates used in the work activity.
- Set up and operate wood machining machinery.
- Apply wood machining processes using conventional or CNC machinery. For example, cutting, shaping, planing, turning, profiling, boring, or edge banding for production of jointed wood and wood-based products.
- Assemble components or sub-assemblies of wood.
- Inspect, strip, and sand material surfaces.
- Apply rectification, repair or rework techniques.
- Follow quality assurance processes.
- Pack, store and handle components and sub-assemblies.
- Record wood machining activity information - paper based or electronic.
- Apply basic continuous improvement techniques. For example, lean manufacturing, six sigma, 5S, and KAIZEN.
- Apply team working principles.
- Apply escalation procedures in relation to faults or issues.
- Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
- Communicate verbally with colleagues and supervisors.
- Communicate in writing with colleagues and supervisors using industry terminology electronically or paper based.
- Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
- Undertake and record learning and development activities.
- Read and interpret job specifications, technical drawings or information for wood machining activity.
- Plan wood machining activity including timescales for completion and organise materials and resources.
- Prepare, maintain and restore the work area.
- Apply safe systems of working including risk assessment.
- Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Comply with procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- Follow workplace operating procedures.
- Store tools and equipment.
- Select tools, equipment, and machinery for wood machining activity.
- Apply first line maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery. For example, checking condition, cleaning, lubrication, visual inspection, calibration checks, sharpening and servicing.
- Identify and select materials used in wood machining.
- Measure and mark out materials.
- Prepare, check and use jigs and templates used in the work activity.
- Set up and operate wood machining machinery.
- Apply wood machining processes using conventional or CNC machinery. For example, cutting, shaping, planing, turning, profiling, boring, or edge banding for production of jointed wood and wood-based products.
- Assemble components or sub-assemblies of wood.
- Inspect, strip, and sand material surfaces.
- Apply rectification, repair or rework techniques.
- Follow quality assurance processes.
- Pack, store and handle components and sub-assemblies.
- Record wood machining activity information - paper based or electronic.
- Apply basic continuous improvement techniques. For example, lean manufacturing, six sigma, 5S, and KAIZEN.
- Apply team working principles.
- Apply escalation procedures in relation to faults or issues.
- Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
- Communicate verbally with colleagues and supervisors.
- Communicate in writing with colleagues and supervisors using industry terminology electronically or paper based.
- Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
- Undertake and record learning and development activities.
Training schedule
- You will be completing the Level 2 Wood Machinist Apprenticeship Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills, Darlington
- This Apprenticeship is designed to equip participants with the fundamentals required to start a successful career. The programme can be delivered using a blend of on-line, anytime learning and expert-led training covering core topics
- Throughout this Apprenticeship, participants will be supported by tutors who have worked in this environment and have gained many years of experience and who can truly support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide range of manufacturing roles
More training information
Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:
Level 2 Wood Machinist Apprenticeship Standard
Training will take place weekly, primarily delivered remotely. In addition, the tutor will conduct workplace visits to support learning and assessment as required.
During the course you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure these exceed the minimum requirements for the Wood Machinist Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 apprenticeship standard.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4+ (C+))
- maths (grade 4+ (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
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
- Travel to and from the employer, based at The Old Brick Yard, Hexham NE47 5LA
- You may be required to assist with fitting on job sites in the local area and occasionally at greater distance
- The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage guide (ANMW): https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
About this employer
Founded by Geoff Jackson in 1979, Langley Furniture Works grew from his lifelong passion for timber, honed through his diverse experiences in agriculture, forestry, and sawmilling. His love for wood quickly evolved into a thriving cabinet-making business, and today, the company remains a cornerstone of Northumberland’s joinery scene.
Now led by Geoff and his son John, the family business has expanded to a talented team of 15, including specialist joiners, cabinet makers and two apprentices, ensuring that traditional skills and knowledge are passed down through generations. From bespoke furniture to larger, more complex projects, our team brings craftsmanship and attention to detail to every commission.
At Langley Furniture Works, we pride ourselves on creating strong relationships with clients. John and Geoff are both hands-on in the design process, working closely with clients to ensure that each project is not only a perfect fit for their home or business but is delivered on time and within budget. Whether it's a kitchen, a set of bespoke windows, or a listed building restoration, we listen, we plan, and we execute, always with the highest level of care.
After this apprenticeship
- Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to full-time employment and/ or further training
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Graham Curry
graham.curry@Darlington.gov.uk
07949845325
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000031485.
Apply now
Closes in 21 days (Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 11:59pm)