Apprentice CNC Machinist
W L R PROTOTYPE ENG LTD
WILFORD (NG11 7EP)
Closes on Monday 27 July 2026
Posted on 12 June 2026
Contents
Summary
We are seeking a motivated and detail orientated Apprentice CNC Miller and Turner to join our engineering team. In this role you will learn how to setup, operate and program CNC machines to produce high quality precision components.
- Wage
-
£20,280 a year
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday, 6.45am - 5.00pm
39 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 3 August 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
- Shadowing our skilled machinists to learn the fundamentals in CNC and manual machining and best practice
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and programming CNC Milling machines using Heidenheim control on and Fanuc control within our Turning department
- Knowledge of various machining techniques and equipment, feeds and speeds and tooling
- Ability to use precision measuring tools and instruments. Including CMM’s and Optical shaft measurement machines
- Debur and finish components to ensure that they meet the quality specifications
- Setup and loading of work parts
Learning to load and align fixtures, vices and raw materials accurately
Offline programming of parts, using Feature CAM Fusion 360
Where you'll work
PRECISION HOUSE
NOTTM SOUTH & WILFORD IND EST
RUDDINGTON LANE
WILFORD
NG11 7EP
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
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 programme is delivered via a day release delivery model which means that one day per week, your attendance is required at our Engineering Campus. This attendance is required during term time only
- You will work with expert assessors and tutors to develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours within the profession
- You will experience a blended learning model
Requirements
Essential 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
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
About this employer
Founded as WLR Prototype Engineers Ltd in 1969, initially producing prototype and test pieces for the Aerospace industry.
Over the years, changes to the company have seen us develop specialist products for the Oil Exploration, Pharmaceuticals and the Motorsport industries among others.
Large investment in CNC tools and CAD systems has enabled us to assist with our client’s product development and supply small to medium batch work.
After this apprenticeship
- Opportunity to progress into a full time, permanent role
- WLR has track record of apprentices progressing to roles other than machining as opportunities arise
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
Laura
apprenticeships@wnc.ac.uk
01623 900467
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000036967.
Apply now
Closes on Monday 27 July 2026