Summary
Bespak is looking for an Apprentice Toolmaker to learn all Skills, Knowledge & Behaviours associated with this apprenticeship.
Wage
£25,000 a year
Salary + discretionary annual bonus.
Training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm 1 day a week (Wednesdays) will be at COWA Wisbech PE13 2JE.
40 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
3 years 9 months
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
As an Apprentice Tooling Engineer your duties will include:
* Attend and participate in all training provided
* Complete coursework and assessments for apprenticeship qualification
* Maintain a detailed training logbook and portfolio of work
* Follow instructions from mentors and the management team
* Assist toolmakers in design and manufacturing tasks
* Learn to interpret engineering drawings, CAD/CAM, and precision machinery
Where you’ll work
1-10- Bergen Way
North Lynn Industrial Estate
Kings Lynn
PE30 2JJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA
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 apprenticeship ST1305.
All the Skills, Knowledge & Behaviours associated with this apprenticeship. Successful candidates will be required to attend COWA Wisbech for training one day a week until completion.
You will embark on an apprenticeship to become a skilled Toolmaker Engineer, focusing on the design, manufacture, and maintenance of precision tooling. Your journey will involve active participation in training, completing coursework, and record-keeping in a training logbook. You will learn to interpret engineering drawings, operate precision machinery such as lathes, milling machines, grinders, and CNC machines. You will also utilize CAD/CAM software, while assisting experienced toolmakers and following guidance from mentors and managers. You will proactively seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and contribute to the efficiency of manufacturing processes.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* 2 other subjects (grade A*- C/ Grade 4-9)
* Maths, English and a science or engineering quali (grade A*- C/ Grade 4-9)
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
* Attention to detail
* Team working
* Good manual dexterity
* Good handling skills
* Keen interest in Engineering
* Able to follow instructions
* Strong work ethic
* Strong work commitment
Other requirements
Benefits: 28 days holiday + bank holidays. 8% employer contribution added to employee’s 3%. Private medical insurance. Private dental Insurance. Permanent health Insurance. Group life assurance. Free will service. Active well-being programme. Recognition awards. Free Parking.