Apprentice Machinist
M&I Materials (Wolfmet)
Manchester (M17 1QS)
Closes on Friday 30 October 2026
Posted on 23 September 2026
Contents
Summary
This vacancy is for an Apprentice Machinist based in Trafford Park, Manchester.
This rewarding career requires a broad skill set -math, mechanical design, interpreting technical drawings and programs, eye for detail - to properly transform a metal casting into a valuable working machined part.
- Wage
-
£15,600 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 - Friday, 37.5 hours a week.
Shifts will be Monday - Friday, 06:00 - 14:00. Alternative week is Monday - Thursday, 13:45 - 22:15 and Friday, 13:00 - 18:30.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Thursday 5 November 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
Wolfmet have more than 40 years experience in the end to end production of tungsten alloy.
Based in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester, Wolfmet is a high-density tungsten alloy manufactured by M&I Materials Ltd in the UK, designed to provide superior radiation shielding and precise weight distribution. It is typically 60% denser than lead, allowing it to be used as a non-toxic alternative in medical, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Successful candidates can potentially secure a permanent job upon completion of the apprenticeship.
- Completion of an engineering apprenticeship within Wolfmet - and relevant academic modules applicable
- Operations of all conventional machines in the Wolfmet powder process area - ISO press, milling machines, Mazak Lathes
- Operation of pusher and batch furnaces
- Operation of CMM machines - CNC and manual
- Other activities related to Wolfmet production processes
- Bench work - Deburring, fitting, assembly, packing
- Completion of accurate paperwork in accordance with quality standards - job routings, quality plans, procedures
- Ensure high standards of housekeeping
- TPM activities
- 5S activities
- Participate in any continuous improvement activities within Wolfmet
- Be compliant with H&S and environmental procedures
Machinists in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering sector are predominantly involved in highly skilled complex and precision work. They machine components from specialist materials using conventional and/or CNC machine tools.
The range of tools and equipment you may use as part of your daily tasks may include:
- Centre Lathes
- Vertical and Horizontal Milling Machines
- Horizontal and Cylindrical Grinding Machines
- Single and Multi-Axis CNC Machines
Where you'll work
Unit 1-2
Westpoint Enterprise Park, Clarence Avenue, Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1QS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
TRAINING 2000 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
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- Any (grade Grade 4/C or above)
- Any (grade Grade 4/C or above)
- English (grade Grade 4/C or above)
- Maths (grade Grade 4/C or above)
Desirable 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
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
Please do not contact the company directly. Please note - we reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a suitable number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply as soon as possible if you wish to be considered for this role.
About this employer
M&I Materials Limited is dedicated to manufacturing Specialist Materials for Industry and Science and is the driving force behind a portfolio of successful business lines including Apiezon, Metrosil, Performance Biolubricants and Wolfmet.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Engineers work in high-tech, dynamic environments using state of the art equipment. They are inventors, designers and problem solvers, people who make a difference to the way we live. As trained professionals, engineers are well paid and highly respected.Many get top jobs and even run their own companies. If you enjoy working as part of a team, like solving problems and have a practical flair, you will find engineering has a lot to offer.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TRAINING 2000 LIMITED
Grace Gardner
grace.gardner@t2000.co.uk
01254 54659
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000055053.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 30 October 2026