Apprentice Machinist / Fitter

Summary

At Sulzer we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to develop a rewarding career, with significant earning potential where you will learn from best-in-class experts. We welcome applicants with an interest for all things engineering, it’s your chance to gain skills while working for a world leading engineering company.

Wage: £15,704 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Machining technician (level 3)
Hours: Monday to Friday, shifts TBC.
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 8 September
Duration: 4 years
Positions available: 2

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, machining centres, borers, and grinders.
Set up metal spray equipment and apply processes to a finish, on a variety of worn or defectives parts including shafts, end frames, end housings and associated mechanical rotating equipment.
Measure, examine, and test completed components in order to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications.
Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic turning & machining centres and machining tools in order to perform precision machining operations.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock in order to display placement of cuts.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems

Where you’ll work

Amy Johnson Way

York

YO30 4WT

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

YORK 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

L3 Machining technician Apprenticeship Standard

More training information

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

Requirements

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
Analytical skills
Logical
Physical fitness

About this company

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, renowned for its expertise in pumps, agitators, compressors, and critical rotating equipment across various industries. With a legacy spanning over 190 years, Sulzer operates in more than 180 locations worldwide, delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability. In 2025, Sulzer was once again recognised as one of the UK’s Top Employers by the Top Employers Institute, reflecting its commitment to excellence in employee development, workplace culture, and career progression.

http://www.sulzer.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Enjoy 33 days’ leave, a pension, discounts, Costco access, car leasing, and learning pathways. Benefit from free parking. Join us and grow your future!

After this apprenticeship

The career progression after this apprenticeship is flexible and depends on your interests and ambitions. Many of our apprentices have grown into senior leadership positions, while others have chosen to specialise in a particular technical area. You'll receive guidance and advice from experienced professionals who understand your journey, helping you develop your skills and shape your career. Whether you aspire to leadership or want to become a master in your chosen discipline, this apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for long-term success.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: