Machine Technician Apprenticeship

Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join a skilled and experienced team, working on highly precise and complex tooling for the plastic industry. The successful apprentice will be involved in both conventional and CNC machining, gaining hands-on experience in an environment that values accuracy and craftsmanship.

Wage

£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday- 8am-4pm

39 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 August 2025

Duration

3 years 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

We are offering a hands-on, skills-focused apprenticeship in a well established company specialising in precision engineering. This role is
ideal for someone with a keen interest in machining, manufacturing, and problem-solving. The apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to gain extensive practical experience, work with advanced machinery, and be part of a supportive team. With full training provided, this is an
excellent stepping stone towards a long-term career in engineering.

Daily tasks may include:

Full supervision and guidance during training
Operating a CNC Machining Centre
Operating conventional machining on manual millers and
lathes
Developing additional skills such as welding, woodwork, and
general bench work (drilling, tapping, fabrication, grinding,
etc.)

Where you’ll work

UNIT 7
QUENIBOROUGH IND ESTATE
1487 MELTON ROAD
QUENIBOROUGH
LE7 3FP

Training

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

College or training organisation

LEICESTER 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

The apprentice will attend Leicester College, one day per week at the Abbey Park Campus.

More training information

Throughout the apprenticeship, they will develop a wide range of
practical and technical skills, including operating a CNC machining
centre, gaining experience in CAD/CAM, and working with conventional machining techniques such as manual milling and lathe operation.

Additionally, the apprentice will have the opportunity to learn welding,
woodwork, and general bench work, such as drilling, tapping,
fabrication, and grinding. Upon completion, they will achieve a Level 3
Machine Technician Apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade Grade C or 4 equivalent)
maths (grade Grade C or 4 equivalent)

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

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental

About this company

MJS Patterns & Moulds Ltd specialises in tooling and patterns for the Rotational Moulding, Blow Moulding, and Foundry industries. In addition, we carry out CNC Machining and can provide an excellent CNC service to meet all your needs, calling on over fifty years of experience. We have a skilled team of CNC Machinists, Toolmakers, and Patternmakers with the experience and capacity required to undertake all projects. We make every effort to provide our customers with the best value and highest quality tooling and CNC machined parts possible.

https://mjspatternsandmoulds.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there will be an
opportunity for a full-time position as a Machining Technician, along
with potential for further study and career progression. Continued
employment is subject to the apprentice meeting company
expectations and adhering to workplace standards, which will be
outlined during the induction process.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: