Summary
An Apprentice CNC Machine Operator will learn how to set up, operate, monitor CNC lathes for valve components. They will work with machinery, interpret technical drawings, and follow safety protocols. The apprenticeship will include hands-on training and theoretical learning, leading to qualifications in mechanical engineering/manufacturing.
Wage
£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Thursday 07:30am - 4:00pm, Friday 07:30am - 12:30pm
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 8 September 2025
Duration
3 years 6 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
* Assisting in setting up, operating, and monitoring CNC lathes, mills, or grinding machines for valve components
* Using callipers, micrometres, depth gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM) to check tolerances
* Learning CNC programming languages to modify or adjust machine operations
* Learn how to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings and technical instructions
* Conducting basic quality checks and reporting deviations
Where you’ll work
Armytage Road Brighouse
West Yorkshire
HD6 1QF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
KIRKLEES 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
Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard:
The successful candidate will attend Kirklees College Engineering Centre in Huddersfield one day per week for the duration of the apprenticeship.
The final year will involve completion of a portfolio and preparation for End Point Assessment (EPA). This measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the standard and is carried out by ESFA approved organisations independent from the college.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* 3 other GCSES (grade 4 / C or above)
* English (grade 5 or above)
* Maths (grade 6/B 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
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Patience
* Mathematic skills
* Persistence
* Reliable
* Punctual
* Troubleshooting Skills
* Good work ethic
Other requirements
Career progress & opportunitiesHigher Education – Studying for an HNC/HND, Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Industry Certifications – Gaining qualifications in production engineeringThings to considerThe college element of this Apprenticeship has typically been on “day release”, so there is an expectation to work onsite and study at college. We need you to have a mature outlook, and be “up” for the challenge of managing yourself and your studies. What happens when I finish my apprenticeship...? Once our apprentices have completed their Apprenticeship standard, subject to vacancies at the time, there will be an opportunity to apply for further employment.