CNC Machining Technician Apprentice

AUTOMATIC INDUSTRIAL MACHINES LTD

NORTH SOMERSET (BS21 6UH)

Closes in 31 days (Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 28 May 2026

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Summary

Start your engineering career with AIM, a leading precision engineering company working across aerospace, defence and high end automotive sectors. Gain hands on experience in CNC machining, inspection and manufacturing while completing a 4 year apprenticeship with Weston College and experienced industry engineers.

• Wage:

  £17,388.80 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  £8.80 per hour. (First year)

• Training course: Machining technician (level 3)
• Hours: Apprentices will work 38 hours per week, Monday to Thursday from 7:00am to 3:30pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch, and Friday from 7:00am to 1:00pm. There is also a 10 minute paid break daily.

  38 hours a week

• Start date:

  Saturday 5 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

This is an exciting opportunity to start your career with AIM, a class-leading precision engineering company working across aerospace, defence, advanced engineering and high-end automotive sectors.

As an Engineering CNC Machinist Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience across the full machine shop, learning how complex, high-precision components are made from start to finish. You will work with experienced engineers and be trained across CNC 3, 4 and 5 axis milling, CNC and manual turning, computer-aided manufacturing, automated machining, robotic loading, CMM inspection, manual inspection, assembly and general workshop engineering.

You will not just be watching from the sidelines. As your skills develop, you will be given real work to complete, supported by skilled machinists, programmers and inspectors who will help you build confidence and capability. You will learn how to programme, set, prove and run precision parts used by demanding customers where quality, accuracy and reliability really matter.

This is a 4-year apprenticeship with training delivered through Weston College, combining practical experience at AIM with recognised engineering qualifications. It is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with technology, making things, and wants to build a long-term career in advanced manufacturing and precision engineering.

Where you'll work

6 CONCORDE DRIVE
5 C BUSINESS CENTRE
CLEVEDON
NORTH SOMERSET
BS21 6UH

Training

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

Training provider

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

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

• The apprentice will receive hands-on training and support within the workplace, tailored to their experience and individual development needs. They will work closely alongside experienced engineers and machinists, gaining practical skills, industry knowledge and confidence through real workplace activities and day-to-day mentoring.
• You’ll be supported throughout your apprenticeship by a college assessor, who will visit you on-site and guide you through your college learning.

More training information

Year 1 Semester 1 – Delivered 5 days per week.
Year 2 – Delivered 1 day per week at college.
Year 3 - Delivered in the workplace.
Year 4 – Delivered in the workplace.

This will be held at our new Aerospace Skills Academy (ASA) in Filton, Bristol. 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4+)
• Maths (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
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Ability to take ownership
• Willingness to ask questions
• Curiosity

Other requirements

• Reliable transport is desirable.
• The role requires strong life skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to start at the entry level and develop within the trade.
• Candidates should be aware that CNC machining may not be suitable for everyone.
• Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds.
• Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

About this employer

A.I.M. LTD is a Clevedon based, sub-contract precision engineering company with over 50 years history, serving Aerospace, Automotive and general engineering customers. We offer CNC milling and turning, CMM inspection, minor sub-assembly and reverse engineering, all to the very high-quality standards our customers have come to know and expect. We have good staff retention, and skilled engineers often program, prove, and run their work from start to finish with a high level of job satisfaction.

http://www.aim-ltd.net (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

The company offers a pension scheme with a 6% employer contribution and a 2% employee contribution. Additional benefits include a provided uniform and 30 days’ holiday including bank holidays.

After this apprenticeship

There are strong progression opportunities, with previous apprentices moving on to Level 4 qualifications and skilled engineering roles. Others have progressed into customer service, management, and quality positions. As part of a wider group, there may also be further opportunities for career development and work placements.
Please note that this is not guaranteed. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Erin Allsworth

erin.allsworth@weston.ac.uk

01934411594

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033786.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11:59pm)