CNC Machinist/Grinder Apprentice
INTRA LTD
25 - 27 Wilbury Way (SG4 0TY)
Closes in 6 days (Monday 17 August 2026)
Posted on 10 August 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you interested in pursuing a career in engineering? Gleason Metrology Systems Ltd, based in Hitchin, are looking for a driven and enthusiastic, CNC Machinist/Grinder Apprentice to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for engineering, manufacturing, and precision machining.
- Wage
-
£22,000 a year
- Training course
- Machining technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 4.30pm / Friday 8:00am to 1:00pm (30 minute unpaid lunch break).
39 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 September 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
Gleason Metrology Systems are a global leader in gear manufacturing technologies, providing Total Gear Solutions that integrate design, production, metrology and automation to improve quality, efficiency and productivity. Through digital twin technology and its Smart Loop Ecosystem, Gleason helps manufacturers optimise the entire gear production process.
With over 2,200 employees and manufacturing and service locations worldwide, they support customers across a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to wind energy, medical devices and heavy machinery. Founded in 1865, the company has over 150 years of innovation and remains committed to delivering high-precision gear solutions while promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.
As a CNC Machinist / Grinder Apprentice, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to manufacture high-quality precision components while working alongside experienced engineers. You will learn to operate both manual and CNC machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, cylindrical grinders, and jig grinders, producing components to fine tolerances from engineering drawings.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will gain experience in reading and interpreting engineering and AutoCAD drawings, with opportunities to develop the ability to modify or create drawings to company and customer specifications. You will learn how to inspect finished components, complete calibration certificates and inspection reports, and ensure all work meets the required quality standards.
You will also become involved in specifying materials required for manufacturing, maintaining accurate documentation of defects, improvements, and engineering changes, and supporting the Gauge Assembly department as required. Working to agreed timescales while maintaining a cost-effective approach will form an important part of your development.
Health and safety are a key priority, and you will be expected to follow all company health and safety procedures and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will be supported in developing the technical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality needed for a successful career in precision engineering.
Where you'll work
25 - 27 Wilbury Way
SG4 0TY
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 4)
- English (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Good teamwork
- Initiative
- Logical
- Team working
Other requirements
When applying, please consider your journey to work. Gleason Metrology Systems Ltd is conveniently located approximately a 15-minute walk from the nearest train station. Access to your own car would be an advantage but is not essential for this role.
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
Gleason Metrology Systems are a global leader in gear manufacturing technologies, providing Total Gear Solutions that integrate design, production, metrology and automation to improve quality, efficiency and productivity. Through digital twin technology and its Smart Loop Ecosystem, Gleason helps manufacturers optimise the entire gear production process.
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 are excellent opportunities to continue your professional development into a full-time engineering role with increased responsibility with Gleason Metrology Systems Ltd.
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 VAC2000047315.
Apply now
Closes in 6 days (Monday 17 August 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.