Machine Technician Apprentice
DLI ENGINEERING LTD
TRIMDON STATION, Washington
Closes in 7 days (Wednesday 17 June 2026)
Posted on 10 June 2026
Contents
Summary
Gain hands-on experience in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing while earning a recognised qualification. Learn to set, operate and programme state-of-the-art turning and machining centres, including advanced multi-axis machines from Mazak, Doosan and Nakamura-Tome, while developing skills valued across engineering industries.
- 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 - 8am - 4pm
Friday - 8am - 12:30pm
Please note that these hours are during your first year with Seta. They may change once you move into the workplace.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 14 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
- Read and interpret complex engineering drawings and technical specifications
- Use precision measuring equipment and quality inspection techniques
- Support machine setup, tooling changes and production operations
- Develop CNC programming knowledge and machining strategies
- Understand manufacturing processes and continuous improvement techniques
- Work safely and professionally within a modern engineering environment
- Collaborate with experienced engineers and programmers to build technical capability and industry knowledge
- Support production activities to meet quality and delivery targets
- Carry out routine machine maintenance and inspections
- Use measuring equipment to inspect components and ensure accuracy
- Follow health, safety and environmental procedures at all times
- Maintain a clean and organised work area
- Work alongside experienced engineers and technicians to develop engineering knowledge and skills
- Participate in off-the-job training and complete apprenticeship coursework
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- UNIT 1A, TRIMDON GRANGE IND EST, TRIMDON GRANGE, TRIMDON STATION, TS29 6PA
- 17 Sedling Road, Wear Industrial Estate, Washington, NE38 9BZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SUNDERLAND ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
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
Your first year will be spent at Seta in Washington.
Your second year will be spent 4 days in the workplace with DLI Engineering and 1 day with Seta on day release.
Your final 2 years will be spent full time with the employer, with regular reviews with a Seta apprenticeship manager and your employer.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
Other requirements
We are looking for motivated individuals with a genuine interest in engineering and manufacturing.
About this employer
DLI Engineering Limited comprises of DLI Precision Engineering Limited, Davro Precision Engineering (Washington) and Hilton Precision — companies formed over 40 years ago to support North East based international manufacturing companies including Philips, Rolls-Royce, Domnick Hunter and Caterpillar.
The company operates across a range of major industry sectors including Oil & Gas, Filtration, Specialist Automotive, Defence and general commercial engineering. DLI Engineering is also involved in significant research and development initiatives, often working in partnership with universities to support engineering innovation and advanced manufacturing solutions.
This apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to develop practical engineering skills while working alongside experienced engineers in a modern precision engineering environment.
After this apprenticeship
Successful apprentices may have the opportunity to progress into a full-time engineering role within DLI Engineering Limited, with further opportunities for advanced technical training and career progression within the engineering sector.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SUNDERLAND ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Gabriella Smith
gabriella.smith@seta.co.uk
0191 416 2860
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000034561.
Apply now
Closes in 7 days (Wednesday 17 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.