Summary
An apprenticeship at PCML will provide hands-on experience in precision engineering and manufacturing. Offering a comprehensive training program, gaining exposure to a variety of engineering processes including CAD design, machining, assembly, and quality control. Working alongside skilled engineers developing expertise in the latest technologies.
Wage
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Healthshield Wellbeing Program - Business paid Level 1 cover 25 Days holiday plus bank holidays Enhanced Family Friendly Policies Company Sick Pay
Training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 07:30 - 16:15 and Friday, 07:30 - 15:00
40 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
4 years
Positions available
2
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
* CNC Machining & Manual Machining - Learning to operate lathes, milling machines, and grinding machines for high-precision work
* CAD & Technical Drawings - Interpreting blueprints and possibly assisting in design modifications
* Material Handling & Preparation - Cutting, shaping, and selecting the correct metals and alloys
* Assembly & Quality Control - Ensuring manufactured parts meet specifications through inspection
* Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting - Identifying issues in production and working with engineers to solve them
* Safety & Maintenance - Following health and safety protocols, maintaining tools, and keeping the workspace organised
* Training & Development - Attending college or in-house training sessions to improve technical knowledge
Where you’ll work
5 Gosforth Close
Sandy
SG19 1RB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
Your training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
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.
Your training plan
Machining Technician Level 3 (A level) Apprenticeship Standard:
* The apprentice will learner over the years via Cambridge Regional College and work mentor
* Communication & Teamwork - Training on professional communication, working with engineers, supervisors, and customers
* Time Management & Productivity - Learning how to work efficiently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines
* Problem - Solving & Continuous Improvement - Training on Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade C or 4 or above)
* Maths (grade C or 4 or above)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
* Patience