Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

THOMAS KEATING LTD

West Sussex (RH14 9SH)

Closes in 20 days (Friday 16 May 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 3 February 2025


Summary

Are you looking to start your engineering career then this superb opportunity to become an apprentice Machine Shop Technician could just be for you. In this varied role you will assist in the operation, maintenance and repair of a variety of machines with hands on training whilst studying for your Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Level 2.

Wage

£14,918.80 a year

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Annual

Training course
Engineering operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday (Shifts to be confirmed)

38 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 2 September 2025

Duration

1 year 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

Key Responsibilities:

  • Machine Set Up: Assist in setting up lathes, mills, grinders, and other machining tools, ensuring proper operation and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Technical Drawings: Learn technical drawings to understand the specifications of parts to be manufactured.
  • Maintenance and Repair: Perform routine maintenance tasks on machines, such as cleaning, lubricating, and replacing worn parts.
  • Quality Control: Measure and inspect finished parts using precision instruments like calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
  • Material Handling: Loading and unloading materials, including raw stock and finished parts maintaining an organized inventory.
  • Safety Compliance: Follow all safety protocols and regulations in the machine shop.
  • Training and Skill Development: Participate in structured training sessions and hands-on practice to develop skills in machine operation
  • Collaboration: Work closely with other technicians, engineers, and supervisors to meet production goals and deadlines.

Where you’ll work

Station Mills
Daux Road Industrial Estate
Billingshurst
West Sussex
RH14 9SH

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

Your training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Your training plan

  • L2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship at Crawley College

The Apprentice Machine Shop Technician will receive ongoing mentorship and training throughout the apprenticeship program.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • Maths (grade 9-4)
  • English (grade 9-4)

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

  • Interest in numeracy
  • Attention to detail
  • Understands technical data
  • Willingness to learn
  • Participative
  • Collaboration
  • Team Player
  • Proactive and contributes.
  • Good communication
  • Health and Safety Aware
  • Adaptable
  • Reliable
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Strong work ethic
  • Works independently
  • Physically capable
  • Display manual dexterity
  • Quick to learn
  • Has Ambition
  • Dedicated to tasks
  • Interested in technology

Other requirements

This is an 18-month apprenticeship including 1 day per week at Crawley College This is an Apprenticeship Job so applicants MUST BE free from full time education to be eligible to apply for it. Applicants MUST BE resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK. Applicants WILL NOT BE eligible to apply if they have already achieved a qualification which is equal to or higher thank the apprenticeship standard on offer. Applicants MUST BE resident in the area local to the apprenticeship opportunity or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. This position is typically based in a machine shop environment, where employees will be exposed to various mechanical systems, tools, and equipment. Candidates should be comfortable with working in a hands-on, industrial setting and be willing to follow safety protocols at all times. Office situated close to Billingshurst train station.

About this company

Thomas Keating Ltd comprises of TK Instruments and TK Machine Toolmaking. Thomas Keating - Instruments draws on tool-making skills to design and develop quasi-optical Terahertz systems and subsystems. Thomas Keating - Toolmaking has a 75 year history of making high precision tooling (press tools, gauges and injection moulds).

After this apprenticeship

There may be opportunities for advancement into full-time roles and development to higher level apprenticeship programmes upon successful completion.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000300015.

Apply now

Closes in 20 days (Friday 16 May 2025 at 11:59pm)

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