Apprentice Wood Machinist - REF 14896

THOMAS JAMES BESPOKE LIMITED

Colne (BB8 8AL)

Closes on Wednesday 15 April 2026

Posted on 29 January 2026

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Summary

Thomas James Bespoke are recruiting for an Apprentice Wood Machinist. The successful candidate will complete a Level 2 Wood Machinist Apprenticeship over the duration of 21-months. 

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Wood machinist (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday 08:00 - 16:30 (30-minutes lunch)

40 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 22 April 2026

Duration

1 year 9 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

  • Set up, program, and operate CNC machinery for accurate production of components
  • Operate and maintain the edge bander, ensuring high-quality finishes on panels and boards
  • Work closely with the Production Manager to ensure CNC programmes are correct
  • Make small adjustments to CNC programmes as required during production
  • Read and interpret technical drawings, CAD files, and work orders
  • Carry out routine machine checks, basic maintenance, and cleaning
  • Monitor production runs and make necessary adjustments to maintain accuracy and efficiency
  • Work to production schedules, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently met
  • Identify and resolve issues related to machine performance or product quality
  • Handle raw materials safely, ensuring correct usage and minimising waste
  • Keep accurate records of production and machine activity
  • Maintain a safe and tidy workshop, following all health and safety guidelines

Where you'll work

Unit 6
Spring Gardens Mill Business Park
Spring Gardens Road
Colne
BB8 8AL

Training

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

Training provider

NORTH LANCS. TRAINING GROUP CIC

Training course

Wood machinist (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Read and interpret job specifications, technical drawings or information for wood machining activity.
  • Plan wood machining activity including timescales for completion and organise materials and resources.
  • Prepare, maintain and restore the work area.
  • Apply safe systems of working including risk assessment.
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Comply with procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Follow workplace operating procedures.
  • Store tools and equipment.
  • Select tools, equipment, and machinery for wood machining activity.
  • Apply first line maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery. For example, checking condition, cleaning, lubrication, visual inspection, calibration checks, sharpening and servicing.
  • Identify and select materials used in wood machining.
  • Measure and mark out materials.
  • Prepare, check and use jigs and templates used in the work activity.
  • Set up and operate wood machining machinery.
  • Apply wood machining processes using conventional or CNC machinery. For example, cutting, shaping, planing, turning, profiling, boring, or edge banding for production of jointed wood and wood-based products.
  • Assemble components or sub-assemblies of wood.
  • Inspect, strip, and sand material surfaces.
  • Apply rectification, repair or rework techniques.
  • Follow quality assurance processes.
  • Pack, store and handle components and sub-assemblies.
  • Record wood machining activity information - paper based or electronic.
  • Apply basic continuous improvement techniques. For example, lean manufacturing, six sigma, 5S, and KAIZEN.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Apply escalation procedures in relation to faults or issues.
  • Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
  • Communicate verbally with colleagues and supervisors.
  • Communicate in writing with colleagues and supervisors using industry terminology electronically or paper based.
  • Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Undertake and record learning and development activities.
  • Read and interpret job specifications, technical drawings or information for wood machining activity.
  • Plan wood machining activity including timescales for completion and organise materials and resources.
  • Prepare, maintain and restore the work area.
  • Apply safe systems of working including risk assessment.
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Comply with procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Follow workplace operating procedures.
  • Store tools and equipment.
  • Select tools, equipment, and machinery for wood machining activity.
  • Apply first line maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery. For example, checking condition, cleaning, lubrication, visual inspection, calibration checks, sharpening and servicing.
  • Identify and select materials used in wood machining.
  • Measure and mark out materials.
  • Prepare, check and use jigs and templates used in the work activity.
  • Set up and operate wood machining machinery.
  • Apply wood machining processes using conventional or CNC machinery. For example, cutting, shaping, planing, turning, profiling, boring, or edge banding for production of jointed wood and wood-based products.
  • Assemble components or sub-assemblies of wood.
  • Inspect, strip, and sand material surfaces.
  • Apply rectification, repair or rework techniques.
  • Follow quality assurance processes.
  • Pack, store and handle components and sub-assemblies.
  • Record wood machining activity information - paper based or electronic.
  • Apply basic continuous improvement techniques. For example, lean manufacturing, six sigma, 5S, and KAIZEN.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Apply escalation procedures in relation to faults or issues.
  • Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
  • Communicate verbally with colleagues and supervisors.
  • Communicate in writing with colleagues and supervisors using industry terminology electronically or paper based.
  • Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Undertake and record learning and development activities.

Training schedule

  • Functional Skills
  • Work based learning
  • Wood Machinist Level 2

Requirements

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Excellent work ethic
  • Interested in the Industry
  • Pro-active
  • Willing to Learn

About this employer

We're an award-winning luxury kitchen designer and bespoke cabinet maker, creating handcrafted furniture using the finest materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Every design at Thomas James is truly bespoke to each client - designed around your lifestyle, home, and design preferences to create a timeless kitchen you'll love for years to come.

After this apprenticeship

Progression onto full-time employment.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NORTH LANCS. TRAINING GROUP CIC

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000008868.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 15 April 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.