Machining Technician Apprentice
BARDEN CORPORATION(U.K.)LIMITED(THE)
Devon (PL6 7LH)
Closes in 31 days (Monday 22 June 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 22 May 2026
Contents
Summary
This Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship is a 4-year structured programme to become a skilled machining technician within the aerospace sector. The apprenticeship combines practical on the job learning at HQW Aerospace with specialist off the job training.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
06:30 - 14:30 Monday - Friday
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Thursday 1 October 2026
- Duration
-
4 years
- Positions available
-
5
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
Apprentices will gain valuable industry experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Successful candidates will learn to operate, set up and programme machinery used in the manufacture of precision bearings while developing a strong understanding of engineering principles, quality standards and continuous improvement.
- Learn to operate CNC and manual machining equipment safely and effectively
- Assist in the manufacture of precision aerospace components to engineering specifications
- Develop skills in machine setting, tooling, and basic programming
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation
- Carry out precision measurement and inspection activities using engineering measuring equipment
- Support production activities while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy
- Follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times · Complete apprenticeship coursework, training modules, and assessments within required timescales to end-point assessment
- Attend college training and workplace reviews as part of the apprenticeship programme
- Work collaboratively with experienced machinists, engineers, and production teams
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment · Contribute to continuous improvement activities within the manufacturing environment
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to personal development
Where you'll work
Plymbridge Road
Estover
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 7LH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
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.
Training will take place both on-site at The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre and within the apprentice’s workplace environment to provide a blend of practical, hands-on learning and workplace experience.
Training Location:
The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre, Unit 24, 43 Sisna Park Road, Plymouth, PL6 7AE.
Additional workplace training and practical experience will also take place at the employer’s premises within Sisna Park Road, Plymouth.
Training Schedule:
The apprentice will typically attend training on a day-release basis alongside workplace learning and development. Practical training, mentoring, and competency development will continue throughout the working week within the workplace environment.
Training will include:
- Practical machining and engineering skills
- Health and safety training
- Use of engineering equipment and machinery
- Technical knowledge and theory sessions
- Workplace competency development supported by experienced staff and assessors
- Regular reviews and progress meetings will take place between the apprentice, employer and training provider throughout the programme
More training information
Training will be delivered by The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre, based at Unit 24, 43 Sisna Park Road, Plymouth, PL6 7AE.
The centre provides industry-focused engineering and manufacturing training within a professional workshop environment designed to support apprentices in developing practical workplace competencies.
The apprenticeship programme will be structured through a combination of:
- Day-release attendance at the training centre
- Workplace-based learning and mentoring
- Regular reviews with trainers and workplace supervisors
- Practical assessments and portfolio development completed throughout the programme
The apprentice will receive ongoing support from both the training provider and employer to ensure steady progress throughout the apprenticeship.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- Math (grade 4-9 (A*-C))
- Math (grade 4-9 (A*-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
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
About this employer
For nearly 80 years, HQW Aerospace UK has delivered world-class super-precision bearings and assemblies to the aerospace and defence sectors.
Working in partnership with globally recognised industry leaders, the company is committed to engineering excellence, uncompromising quality, innovation and exceptional customer service.
HQW Aerospace UK plays a vital role in supporting advanced aerospace technologies and precision manufacturing across international markets - Partners in precision.
https://www.bardenbearings.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Completion of the apprenticeship could lead to a permanent full-time role within HQW Aerospace, with opportunities for progression. Apprentices will gain valuable industry experience within a globally recognised aerospace engineering company.
After this apprenticeship
Following successful completion of the Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship, apprentices may progress into a permanent Machining Technician role within the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. Career progression opportunities can include CNC Setter/Operator, CNC Programmer, Manufacturing Technician, Quality Technician, Team Leader, or further higher-level engineering apprenticeships and qualifications.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Tim Scott-Lloyd
tim.scott-lloyd@plymouth.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033244.
Apply now
Closes in 31 days (Monday 22 June 2026 at 11:59pm)