Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

Summary

Xcel Aerospace are looking to recruit an Engineering Operative Apprentice. We employ highly skilled workers who are keen to share their knowledge with eager apprentices to deliver our vision of excellence in everything we do.This is an excellent opportunity to join a professional and traditional Engineering firm whose expertise is in high demand.

Wage

£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Friday 9 hours per day with 30 minute lunch break. Start time may vary. Shifts to be confirmed.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 8 September 2025

Duration

1 year 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

The Apprentice CNC Machinist will spend time within the machine shop and will learn about CNC milling and CNC turning. The apprentice will be involved with manufacturing aerospace components made from aluminium, stainless and mild steel.

The apprentice will operate within the mandatory customer and internal specifications and inspect products accordingly. The Apprentice CNC Machinist will learn how to effectively and safely operate and setup 3-axis CNC machining centres, and lathes.

Key Deliverables:

Perform tool setting, machine maintenance, machine loading, de-burring of components, loading CNC program of components, inspection of components and updating of system to achieve current status of workload
To understand and interpret Engineering drawings including GD&T and to use a range of standard and special measuring equipment as well as working closely with QC to achieve high ‘First off’ pass rates and to liaise with QC to resolve issues and eliminate repeat failures
To have an understanding of cutting tool and component materials and their effect on productivity. The importance of correct tool selection, an understanding of cutting tool conditions including rigidity, speeds, feeds, lubrication and their application and effect. Also, to understand tool failure and to recognise causes and take appropriate action to rectify
To understand and apply safe and appropriate work holding methods and techniques to satisfy component requirements, including manual and automatic chucks, vices, direct clamping (to machine tables) and special jigs and fixtures
Verify the conformity of parts, assemblies and sub-assemblies in line with engineering drawings, the quality management system and any special customer requirements
Identify and report non-conformance as per the Company procedure
Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance and Health Safety Environment policies and procedures

Requirements:

Able to work within tight time scales whilst maintaining and promoting quality standards
Good organisational and prioritisation skills
Confidence to challenge product progression in the event of non-conforming discovery

Where you’ll work

1 Ashton Road
Romford
Essex
RM3 8UH

Training

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

College or training organisation

NEW CITY COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Your training plan

Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard
Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours
Day release to attend New City College, Rainham campus (RM13 GP)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade GCSE A* - C (9 - 4))
Maths (grade GCSE A* - C (9 - 4))
Science (grade GCSE A* - C (9 - 4))

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Good numerical skills
Able to measure calculations
Good verbal communicator
Good writing skills
Team working skills
Able to use own initiative
Able to work to time scales
Promote quality standards
Good organisational skills
Ability to prioritise work
Display a positive attitude
Enthusiastic learner
Eager to learn

Other requirements

This is a very hands on role, working on the shop floor and will involve standing/being on your feet for sustained periods.

About this company

Xcel Aerospace is a leader in delivering manufacturing excellence within the global aerospace market. We provide high quality components and assembly parts and our strong reputation as a world class supplier of manufactured aerospace components supports thousands of flight hours every year.

https://www.xcelaerospace.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Some of the benefits we offer include: Benenden Healthcare - Employee contribution scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Holidays, initially 23 days. Cycle to Work Scheme. Pension Scheme (if eligible). Employee Recognition Scheme.

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship, progression to the following opportunities could be available, depending upon the needs of the company at that time.

CNC Miller/Setter/Operator
CNC Turner/Setter/Operator
Highly skilled Miller/Turner
Deputy Cell Leader
Cell Leader
Manufacturing Engineer
Quality Control Inspector
Lead Quality Control Inspector
NDT Inspector

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NEW CITY COLLEGE

Sarah Clayton

sarah.clayton@ncclondon.ac.uk

0330 135 9000

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000315556.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Friday 16 May 2025 at 11:59pm)

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