Manufacturing Apprentice
COOK COMPRESSION LIMITED
Ellesmere Port (CH65 4LR)
Closes in 13 days (Monday 1 June 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 18 May 2026
Contents
Summary
The Manufacturing Apprentice role will combine on the job training with day release at college. Apprentices will learn how to CNC and manual machines to perform machining operations within a safety-first culture.
- 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 - Thursday, 7.00am - 3.15pm and Friday, 7.00am - 1.30pm
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- 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
As part of your apprenticeship you will learn how to set up and operate computer numerically controlled and manual lathes to perform various machining operations.
The candidate will receive training to perform the following:
- Read process sheets and drawings to determine machining requirements, dimensional specifications, and how to Identify, select and install proper tooling for operations being performed
- Understand quality systems and perform necessary quality inspections using precision measuring instruments and gauging devices
- Learn about the principles of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement activities to reduced setup times and improve productivity and efficiency
- “Best Practices” to achieve company goals for safety, delivery, cost and quality
- Candidate will report to Production Manager/Cell Leader and will have an assigned work buddy.
- During the day they may interact with our Internal Sales, HSE, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain and HR teams
Where you'll work
1-3 Helix Business Park
New Bridge Road
Ellesmere Port
CH65 4LR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST
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
This apprenticeship usually runs on 2 days a week in college for the first 2 years
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Mathematics (grade 4)
- Science (grade 4)
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
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Reliable
- Positive attitude
- Good time management
- Genuine interest
Other requirements
- Must be 18 or over
- This is due to insurance restrictions to work on the shop floor
About this employer
Cook Compression Ltd who are part of Dover Precision Components (DPC) deliver performance-critical solutions for rotating and reciprocating machinery across the oil & gas, power generation, marine, industrial, chemical and general processing markets.
At DPC, our aim is to improve reciprocating compressor performance to our customers, and we offer a complete package of services and products to develop the right solutions.
With facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, we take a globally interconnected approach to serving our customers’ global and local operations. Our team is committed to safety, quality and continuous improvement in all that we do.
After this apprenticeship
- Possible permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST
Becky Smythe
becky.smythe@ccsw.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000032246.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Monday 1 June 2026 at 11:59pm)