Summary
Responsive Engineering are a contract manufacturer based in the North East of England. We specialise in large, complex fabrications for the Defence, Energy and Rail sectors. We are recruiting to join our Machining Technician Apprenticeship. This level 3 program will provide you with all you need to thrive.
Wage
£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Company pension scheme – employer contributes 7%.
Training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 07:00 - 15:30 and Friday, 07:00 - 12:00.
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
3 years
Positions available
3
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
Various roles to choose from:
* CNC Milling / Turning x2 positions
* CNC Profiling (Laser & Waterjet) x1 position
* Learn a range of skills, including the knowledge to lead and control CNC machining processes, using a range of machines and equipment to produce components
* Work across different departments in the machining or profiling teams, developing program development skills and knowledge
* Build positive relationships with internal and external customers
* Work with the project teams to support the manufacture of complex assemblies using the CNC machine equipment
Where you’ll work
Armstrong Works
Scotswood Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE15 6UX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
NEWCASTLE AND STAFFORD COLLEGES GROUP
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 Standard:
* Practical and theoretical training designed to expand the knowledge and skills regarding CNC machining principles
* Training will be one day per week - day release at Newcastle College
* Regular in-house training and development opportunities designed to ensure efficient and effective operation of the CNC equipment
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English (grade 4-9)
* Mathematics (grade 4-9)
* Science (grade 4-9)
GCSE in:
* Any (grade 4-9)
* Any (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
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
* Patience
Other requirements
Working environment is within a 33,000m3 dedicated production facility located on the banks of the River Tyne. Role will be in a mixture of production and office areas relating to Robot Welding and automation. Engineering team mentor will be assigned to support you with the learning journey. Exciting role within a pivotal team.