CNC Apprentice
PARKER PRECISION LIMITED
Bilston (WV14 7HW)
Closes in 7 days (Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 11 August 2026
Contents
Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join the team as an apprentice CNC operator, through training you will learn to work the different types of CNC machines we have on site.
- Wage
-
£18,031 a year
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday
07:00 - 15:45
Friday
07:00 - 12:00
38 hours a week
- Start date
-
Thursday 1 October 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
The CNC Apprentice will work alongside experienced machinists and engineers to develop the skills and knowledge required to operate, set up, and maintain CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in manufacturing processes while undertaking relevant apprenticeship training.
Key Responsibilities:
- Learn to operate CNC milling, turning, and machining equipment safely and effectively
- Assist in setting up CNC machines and preparing materials for production
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and work instructions
- Monitor machine performance and report any faults or issues to supervisors
- Conduct quality inspections using measuring equipment such as callipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Support routine machine maintenance and housekeeping activities
- Assist with tooling changes and machine adjustments under supervision
- Record production data and complete required documentation accurately
- Follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times
- Participate in apprenticeship training and complete coursework within agreed timescales
- Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and quality standards
Skills and Attributes:
- Strong interest in engineering and manufacturing
- Good attention to detail and a commitment to quality
- Good numerical and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to learn and follow instructions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Reliable, punctual, and motivated attitude
- Basic computer skills
Where you'll work
Vulcan Works Vulcan Road
Bilston
WV14 7HW
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
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
You will be required to attend Advance 1, Dudley College, DY1 4AD, 1 day per week in term time only.
- You will receive a Machining Level 3 qualification upon successful completion of your apprenticeship
- You will be assigned an assessor who will visit the workplace every 6-8 weeks to support you on your apprenticeship
- You may be required to complete functional skills alongside this apprenticeship
More training information
You will be working with experienced individuals on the machines.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C/4/Level 2 Functional Skills)
- Maths (grade C/4/Level 2 Functional Skills)
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
- Problem solving skills
- Strong work ethic
About this employer
Parker is based in Bilston supplying high tollerence aerospace parts. There are great opportunities for an apprentice to join the team and learn a highly skilled role as a CNC operator. As it is a small company, individuals can learn quickly with well experienced team.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
CNC Operator/Setter.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Julie Perks
julie.perks@dudleycol.ac.uk
01384363314
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045223.
Apply now
Closes in 7 days (Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 11:59pm)