Machining technician – Level 3 engineering apprenticeship

A technician trained through Make UK can carry out safety checks and performance monitoring on machining equipment, and interpret engineering data, drawings and technical documentation to contribute to the day’s machining schedule.

They can inspect materials before machining, identify and report issues such as incorrect grades, dimensions or thicknesses and plan the sequence for machining activities, selecting the correct tooling, work-holding and materials for conventional or CNC work.

They can set up, operate, adjust or edit machining equipment settings and programmes, and machine high-quality complex components using a broad range of processes, including thread cutting, slots and pockets, undercutting, profile forms, tapered and eccentric diameters, bored holes and tee slots.

They can inspect the components they produce and adjust equipment, programmes or tooling to keep quality on spec, and report any issues affecting quality, quantity or deadlines.

They can complete machining documentation from standard operating procedures to contributing to audits, and maintain the machining work area, with proper housekeeping and waste management.

They can keep customers, colleagues and line managers informed about machining work, carry out scheduled daily inspections and safe machine shutdown or isolation, and support continuous improvement activity to address business problems.

Technicians typically work as part ocross-functional team, reporting to an engineering or manufacturing team leader, and may interact with customers, suppliers, quality auditors and regulators. Depending on the role, some work involves working at height or on shifts.

Typical job titles: Machinist, machining technician, precision engineer, CNC machinist, CNC machinist programmer, centre lathe turner, CNC centre lathe turner, gear cutter, gear cutter and grinder, CNC gear cutter, CNC gear cutter and grinder, horizontal borer, CNC horizontal borer, conventional vertical borer, CNC vertical borer, EDM machinist technician, CNC EDM machinist technician, manual machinist (miller, turner or grinder), CNC machinist (miller, turner or grinder).

As a machining technician apprentice, you'll spend most of your time in the workplace, applying what you're learning to real machining tasks.

You'll attend the Make UK Technology Hub in Aston for the mandatory Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Machining), covering general machining, fitting and assembly, engineering materials, CNC programming, precision grinding, engineering drawing, mechanical principles, and mechanical measurement and inspection techniques.

In your first year, you'll also complete practical skills training including business improvement activities, building the foundation you'll need before specialising.

By the time you finish, you'll be able to set up, operate and adjust conventional or CNC machines, machine complex components to precise tolerances, and inspect and adjust your own work to keep it on spec.

Employers can add specialist appreciation weeks in turning, pneumatics, MIG welding, CNC, milling, electronics, hydraulics or robotics, broadening an apprentice's exposure at an additional cost per module.

Employers who want fuller, formally assessed competence evidence can also opt into an EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, choosing either the Machining or CNC Machining pathway. This isn't a mandatory part of the standard, doesn't require further time at the Technology Hub, and is assessed in the workplace across years two to four, for an additional registration and certification cost.

Machining technicians progress into senior machinist roles, CNC programming specialisms, precision engineering positions, and further study.

The programme typically takes 42 months, plus a further three months for end-point assessment. Exact timings depend on prior experience, occupational role and any relevant assessment of prior learning and knowledge.

Training is split between your workplace and time at the Make UK Technology Hub working towards the mandatory qualification.

Before moving to gateway, your employer must confirm you're working at or above the occupational standard. You'll need to confirm you're ready for EPA, have achieved English and maths in line with the apprenticeship funding rules, have passed your mandatory machining qualification, and submit a portfolio of evidence drawn from real job packs. For the practical assessment, your employer and the assessment provider will agree in advance which machines and components you'll be assessed on, so the right materials and equipment are ready.

End-point assessment typically takes three months and consists of three parts: a practical demonstration with questions, an interview underpinned by your portfolio, and a knowledge test.

The practical demonstration is graded Fail or Pass. The interview and knowledge test are each graded Fail, Pass or Distinction. Your overall apprenticeship grade is Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.