CNC Setter Operator Apprentice
GOODMAN PRECISION ENGINEERING LTD
Stacey Bushes (MK12 6HS)
Closes in 7 days (Friday 7 August 2026)
Posted on 23 July 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you interested in pursuing a career in engineering? Goodman Precision Engineering, are looking for a driven and enthusiastic, CNC Machinist Apprentice to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for engineering, manufacturing, and precision machining.
- Wage
-
£16,640 a year
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday, 8.00am - 3.30pm (30 minute unpaid lunch break)
39 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 31 August 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
Goodman Precision Engineering based in Milton Keynes, were established in 2009 and has grown from strength to strength, forging strong relationships with a wide and varied customer base. Built on the principles of delivering high-quality, precision components and assemblies with short lead times.
Their management team have over 40 years combined experience in the Formula One and Motor Sport industry. The team have used their expertise and commitment to continuous improvement to ensure our facility remains an industry sector leader. They have used their experience in Formula One to compliment the service they now offer to a wide range of industry sectors, such as motor sport, automotive, rail, gas & oil and more.
As a CNC Setter/Operator Apprentice, you will spend the majority of your apprenticeship gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace while working towards your qualification. You will learn from experienced engineers, developing the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to build a successful career in precision engineering.
During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to set up and operate CNC milling and turning machines, working with both 3-axis and 5-axis CNC equipment to manufacture high-quality precision components. You will develop the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, gain experience using CAD/CAM software to support CNC programming and inspect finished components using a range of measuring equipment to ensure they meet exact quality standards. You will also complete production documentation and quality records while following all health and safety procedures and working as part of a skilled and supportive engineering team.
You will begin by learning the fundamentals of CNC machining before gradually taking on greater responsibility as your skills, knowledge and confidence develop.
Goodman Precision are looking for someone who is hardworking, motivated and eager to learn, with a genuine interest in engineering or manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be reliable, punctual and take pride in producing high-quality work. A positive attitude, willingness to develop new skills and the ability to work well within a team are essential for success in this role.
Where you'll work
17&19 Erica Road,
Stacey Bushes
MK12 6HS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BEDFORD COLLEGE
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
- Level 3 Machining Technician
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths if required
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- Maths (grade 5)
- English (grade 4)
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
- Attention to detail
- Patience
- Punctual
- Work well in a team
Other requirements
- Goodman Precision Engineering offers a structured apprenticeship programme that combines hands on engineering experience with a supportive learning environment
- Apprentices will have the opportunity to work with modern CNC equipment, develop their skills, and benefit from clear career progression opportunities, all while being part of a friendly and collaborative team
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an initial interview by telephone or Microsoft Teams - Following a successful interview, candidates will be required to complete a two-day work trial within the business
Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College Apprenticeship Recruitment Team if they meet the initial criteria as part of the recruitment process. Only Candidates who have fully completed the application will be considered. Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.
About this employer
Goodman Precision Engineering based in Milton Keynes, were established in 2009 and has grown from strength to strength, forging strong relationships with a wide and varied customer base. Built on the principles of delivering high-quality, precision components and assemblies with short lead times.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- On successful completion of this apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to continue your professional development with Goodman Precision Engineering, initially as a junior Setter Operator with career progression within the business
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BEDFORD COLLEGE
Ramona Stevens
RStevens@bedford.ac.uk
01234 291000
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000044593.
Apply now
Closes in 7 days (Friday 7 August 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.