Machining Technician
Machining technicians produce complex and precision machined products that are typically used in machinery. For example, aeroplanes and vehicles. They can also produce bespoke components or products for domestic appliances or medical equipment. They use a variety of machines to carry out their work. For example, centre lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, horizontal and cylindrical grinding machines. Electro discharge machines, single and multi-axis Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine tools centres. Gear cutting and Gear Grinding machines.
Components are machined from metal or specialist materials using conventional or CNC machine tools. Machining Technicians interpret information and plan their activities. They also set up, operate, adjust or edit machine tool settings. When using CNC equipment, they can produce, prove or edit programmes. They inspect components and machinery, report issues and support continuous improvement activities.
Apprenticeship information
Entry requirements
A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English, Maths, Science and Technology is desirable. Other equivalent qualifications are acceptable
Where will I study?
Training 2000 Blackburn
Duration
- 3-4 years depending on employers needs
- Year 1* – 20 weeks full time at Training 2000
- OR x3 five week blocks and x1 two week block plus one day per week for the Technical Certificate
- Year 2 – 1 day per week to complete the Technical Certificate / assessment in the workplace
- Year 3/4 – assessment in the workplace
English and Maths
You will only need to complete English and Maths Functional Skills if you are unable to provide evidence of your GCSE qualifications or if your existing grades are just below the required entry requirements.
Apprentices who began their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and maths. However, for apprentices aged 19+, the apprentice or their employer can still choose for the apprentice to study towards an English and maths qualification.
The Functional Skills programme runs as an addition to the time you are already required to spend doing your off-the-job training. Following a thorough assessment process, we will select a learning plan suitable for you, which will be either 2-weeks full-time or 12-weeks (one day per-week) each for English and/or maths.
If a subject needs re-sitting, this will be additional time in the classroom on top of your learning plan.
Apprenticeship information
Safety
Conduct safety checks and performance monitoring for machining, associated equipment and surrounding work area.
Interpreting data
Receive, read and interpret engineering data and documentation, engineering drawings and technical data. Contribute to or plan the days machining schedule.
Quality control
Check and inspect materials to be machined to ensure that they conform to quality standards. Identify and report any issues or faults such as incorrect grades, dimensions and thicknesses.
Planning
Plan and prepare sequence for the machining activities. Ensure that the correct tooling, work holding, and materials are used. This applies to conventional complex or CNC complex machining tasks.
Operations
Set up, operate, or adjust conventional machines or set up, prove and validate CNC machining equipment settings and programs for the machine tool being used.
Machining components
Machine high-quality complex components using a broad range of processes. For example, internal or external thread cutting, slots and pockets, internal or external under cutting. Also profile forms, tapered and eccentric diameters, bored holes, and tee slots.
Evaluation
Inspect components produced. Adjust the machining equipment or program and tooling to ensure components meet quality requirements.
Reporting issues
Identify, communicate and report issues affecting machining component quality, quantity and deadlines.
Standard operational procedures
Complete machining documentation at all stages of the work activity. For example, standard operational procedures, control documentation and contribution to audits.
Working environment
Maintain and restore the machining work area, performing housekeeping and waste management as appropriate. Ensure tools, unused materials and equipment are returned to a safe, clean and approved condition on completion of machining work.
Communication
Keep stakeholders for example, customers, colleagues and line managers informed about machining work.
Inspections
Perform scheduled daily inspection and machine shut down or safe isolation.
Continuous improvement
Support continuous improvement activity to address business problems.
- Turning – Spinning a piece of material on a lathe to shape it, like making round parts
- Milling – Using a machine to cut shapes and features into metal or other materials
At the end of your Apprenticeship you’ll go through an end-point assessment (EPA) and be graded based on a:
- Knowledge test
- Practical demo with questions
- Interview, underpinned with portfolio evidence
This Apprenticeship teaches you a wide range of skills so that you can work as a:
- Centre lathe turner
- CNC (Computer Numerical Control) centre lathe turner
- CNC EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) machinist technician
- CNC gear cutter
- CNC gear cutter and grinder
- CNC horizontal borer
- CNC machinist
- CNC machinist (miller turner or grinder)
- CNC machinist programmer
- CNC vertical borer
- Conventional vertical borer
- EDM machinist technician
- Gear cutter
- Gear cutter and grinder
- Horizontal borer
- Machining technician
- Machinist
- Manual machinist (miller turner or grinder)
- Precision engineer
*Year 1 full time at Training 2000 could be for a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months.
Year 1 blocks could take between 12 and 18 months to complete. Full time or block training to be decided by employer.
Next steps
On completion of this course you may want to consider the following options to further your career.
Where can you progress to?
Frequently asked questions
Most of our Apprenticeships are 4 years but can be shorter dependant on the type of engineering you are learning.
We offer engineering Apprenticeships in a range of areas, such as CAD (Computer Aided Design), Welding, Fire & Security systems, Electronics, Mechatronics and CNC.
We work with many local engineering companies, who advertise their vacancies on our website. These will change daily, so always check back for the latest ones.
As we are part of the University of Lancashire, you can easily progress onto a Degree Apprenticeship.