Machining Technician Apprenticeship

Summary

Responsive Engineering are a contract manufacturer based in the North East of England. We specialise in large, complex fabrications for the Defence, Energy and Rail sectors. We are recruiting to join our Machining Technician Apprenticeship. This level 3 program will provide you with all you need to thrive.

Wage

£14,526.20 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)

Company pension scheme – employer contributes 7%.

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 07:00 - 15:30 and Friday, 07:00 - 12:00.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

3

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

Various roles to choose from:

CNC Milling/Turning x2 positions
CNC Profiling (Laser & Waterjet) x1 position
Learn a range of skills, including the knowledge to lead and control CNC machining processes, using a range of machines and equipment to produce components
Work across different departments in the machining or profiling teams, developing program development skills and knowledge
Build positive relationships with internal and external customers
Work with the project teams to support the manufacture of complex assemblies using the CNC machine equipment

Where you’ll work

Armstrong Works
Scotswood Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE15 6UX

Training

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

College or training organisation

NCG

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

Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

Practical and theoretical training designed to expand the knowledge and skills regarding CNC machining principles
Training will be one day per week - day release at Newcastle College
Regular in-house training and development opportunities designed to ensure efficient and effective operation of the CNC equipment

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4-9)
Mathematics (grade 4-9)
Science (grade 4-9)

GCSE in:

Any (grade 4-9)
Any (grade 4-9)

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
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Patience

Other requirements

Working environment is within a 33,000m3 dedicated production facility located on the banks of the River Tyne. Role will be in a mixture of production and office areas relating to Robot Welding and automation. Engineering team mentor will be assigned to support you with the learning journey. Exciting role within a pivotal team.

About this company

Responsive Engineering Ltd provides a complete diverse, end-to-end manufacturing capabilities under one roof. Utilising technology and highly skilled employees, we provide discreet components or full-service offerings to our customers to a very high standard. As a company, we value safety, collaboration, excellence, innovation, and trust - ensuring strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our ideal candidate will embody these values and demonstrate a dedication to fostering a safe, positive, and supportive work environment. We are committed to being first in line when it comes to taking responsibility for complex manufacturing solutions and to be recognised for customer and employee excellence. Overall, Responsive Engineering Ltd is dedicated to delivering manufacturing engineered solutions that meet the needs of our customers, while upholding our core values of collaboration, excellence, innovation, safety, and trust.

https://responsive-engineering.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Monday to Friday schedule (half-day Fridays), 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, Employee health benefits, Death in service life insurance, Personal injury scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, Onsite parking, £4.00 food allowance at onsite canteen,

After this apprenticeship

Once qualified there is the possibility of a permanent role in the production team
If successful further development opportunities may be offered.
Working within a manufacturing setting is challenging and rewarding, Responsive Engineering are committed to supporting its people throughout their career

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Responsive Engineering Ltd

Neil Mawson

neil.mawson@responsive-engineering.com

01914973400

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000313331.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 31 July 2025

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