General Machining & CNC Operator Apprentice

Summary

Get ready to dive into the world of precision engineering! In this hands-on role, your main focus will be learning how to operate and care for powerful workshop machines, including: Manual Milling Machines, Lathes , Saws, and CNC Routers.

Wage

£16,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, Shifts to be confirmed

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

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

In this role, you’ll work closely with the General Machining and CNC Departments, as well as Production Management, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights every step of the way.

What you’ll be doing:

Discover how different materials are handled, processed, and transformed into high-quality components
Technical Drawings - Learn to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications
Machine Care - Keep equipment in top shape with proper cleaning and maintenance routines
Product Quality - Understand what makes a great product and how to ensure every part meets the mark
You’ll build up to operating, programming, and maintaining advanced machinery

This is more than just a job - it’s your launchpad into a skilled, high-tech career where every day brings something new to learn and create.

Where you'll work

UNIT 19
FARMBROUGH CLOSE
STOCKLAKE PARK INDUSTRIA ES
AYLESBURY
HP20 1DQ

Training

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

College or training organisation

MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE

Your 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.

Your training plan

You'll be studying at the Innovation & Technology, one day a week at Milton Keynes College for the Level 3 Machining Apprenticeship Standard.

Throughout your apprenticeship you'll get:

Expert mentors/trainers who will guide you through your apprenticeship
Hands-on learning, who will give you real-world feedback
Modern facilities with ample access to tech equipment and resources and much more

More training information

General Health & Safety & Manual Handling

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 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

Communication skills
IT skills
Number skills
Team working

Other requirements

Ideally have your own transport in order to get to site. Entitled to 28 days annual leave. To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must meet the following residency criteria: You must have lived in the UK, the British Overseas Territories, or Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least three years prior to the start of the apprenticeship.

About this company

Salesmade Ltd is a well-established independent supplier of bespoke aluminium extrusions and fabricated products. Established in 1980, we are proud to be one of the longest standing manufacturing companies in Aylesbury.

https://www.salesmade.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

A permanent position may be on offer upon successful completion of the apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: