Summary
As a Machining Apprentice, you will learn to, and gain hands on experience in machining technology, providing the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in precision Engineering and machining operations whilst studying for a recognised qualification.
Wage
£18,470 a year
Apprentice wage is increased in line with machinist rates each completed year.
Training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 7.30am - 4.00pm and Friday, 7.30am - 12.30pm
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 28 July 2025
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 apprenticeship is held in partnership with Bath College at the Radstock Somer Valley Campus. The apprentice will be expected to attend college in person for part of their working week, and attend work at Locksbrook the days you are not at college.
Duties will include:
* Assist in the setup and operation of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, lathes, milling machines, and other machining equipment
* Diagnose faults and implement corrective actions to ensure equipment efficiency
* Learn and apply machining techniques to produce high-precision components and parts according to technical drawings and specifications
* Interpret and analyse engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics
* Work closely with engineers, technicians, and team leaders to support production goals
* Conduct quality checks on finished products using measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure adherence to specifications
* Maintain a high standard of 5S
* Maintain and troubleshoot machinery and tooling, learning best practices for maintenance and repair
* Ensure company policies and procedures are adhered to at all times
* Ensure compliance with all relevant Environmental, Health & Safety and regulatory legislation
* Actively support continuous improvement activities throughout the business
Through a combination of classroom and work based learning over 4 years, the Machining Apprentice will gain knowledge of a broad range of activities and departments including Procurement, Projects, Health and Safety, Manufacturing and Design.
Where you’ll work
Locksbrook Road
Bath
Avon
BA1 3EX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
BATH 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 Apprenticeship Standard
* You will attend college two days per week, term time only at our Somer Valley Campus in Radstock
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4/C or above)
* Maths (grade 4/C or above)
* Science (grade 4/C 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
* Problem solving skills
* Initiative
Other requirements
Being part of the defence industry, offer of employment is subject to BPSS screening.