Machine Operator Apprentice

STAFFORD ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD

STAFFORD (ST16 2PN)

Closes in 7 days (Friday 16 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 7 January 2026


Summary

Machine operator required for our family-run business who design and manufacture Medical Device mounting brackets and are expanding into new markets throughout the world. The ideal candidate for this role will have some experience in manufacturing/production. However, training will be given.

Training course
Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
Hours
08.00-15.30 Monday - Thursday. 08.00-14.30 Friday.

34 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 26 February 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

Responsibilities will include:

  • Using CNC milling machines, loading and unloading of parts
  • Ensuring machines run correctly whilst ensuring quality is kept to a high standard
  • Inspecting the finished product to ensure consistency and accuracy
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working area
  • Some assembly work (training will be given)

Where you'll work

GAINSBOROUGH WORKS
ST. PATRICKS PLACE
STAFFORD
ST16 2PN

Training

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

Training provider

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE

Training course

Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
  • Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
  • Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
  • Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
  • Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
  • Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
  • Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
  • Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
  • Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
  • Follow standard operating procedures.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
  • Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
  • Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
  • Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
  • Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
  • Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
  • Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
  • Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
  • Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
  • Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
  • Follow standard operating procedures.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
  • Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.

Training schedule

Full training on equipment will be available.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths & English (grade 4-9 (A*- C))

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
  • Presentation skills
  • Logical
  • Initiative

Other requirements

  • Some experience in a machine shop/engineering environment would be an advantage
  • Ability to use measuring equipment would be an advantage

Expectation in role

  • Working with minimum supervision

About this employer

Stafford Engineering Services boasts about its highly skilled and versatile workforce. with the majority having over 25 years experience in their discipline. Our workforce is compiled with craftsmen ranging from tool makers to general machinists, making Stafford Engineering Services capable of suiting all your needs and requirements.

http://www.staffordengineering.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Fully qualified Support Technician.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000007300.

Apply now

Closes in 7 days (Friday 16 January 2026 at 11:59pm)