Apprentice Wood CNC Machinist

Summary

Train to be a Wood Machinist creating solid wood products for a wide range of world-class furniture. You will be using the latest CNC machinery and processes, as well as traditional machinery and techniques. Jig making and proving out of new products will be incorporated into the training.

Wage

£15,051.40 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Advanced furniture CNC technician (level 3)

Hours

At age 16, Monday to Thursday. 07:30 to 16:00 & Friday. 7:30 to 12:30. At age 18 or above, a flexible working pattern with normal hours of Monday to Thursday. 07:00 to 16:00 & Friday. 07:00 to 13:00.

36 hours a week

Start date

Monday 28 July 2025

Duration

2 years

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

The successful apprentice will be fully trained in manufacturing wooden components using both traditional and CNC machinery.
The apprentice will be able to assess the safest, and most efficient, method of production.
The apprentice will learn to work individually and as part of a team.
Accuracy and pride of work is a major factor in this role.
Reporting of performance and improvement actions using the approved process.
Interacting with peers and managers to resolve issues and drive improvements.

Where you’ll work

Summerleys Road
Princes Risborough
HP27 9PX

Training

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

College or training organisation

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Advanced furniture CNC technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Set tool compensation data in furniture CNC programmes.
Set tool data and parameters in furniture CNC programmes.
Optimise machinery for the best yield of materials.
Set, load, prove and optimise furniture CNC programmes.
Manage resources effectively including raw materials and time.
Select tooling suitable for use with materials being processed for example different varieties of wood.
Set up and operate furniture CNC/NC (Computer Numerically Controlled/Numerically controlled) machinery using appropriate safety measures and guards.
Maintain furniture CNC/NC machinery within limits of responsibility for example lubricating machinery, checking fluid levels, keeping machinery clean.
Apply improvement techniques to furniture manufacturing processes for example using different tooling, aggregate heads, tandem loading or tandem loading.
Work safely at all times, wearing appropriate PPE, adhering to COSHH records and completing health and safety records and reports.
Follow Safe Systems of work for the relevant machining processes.
Produce and maintain jigs and holding devices to ensure sufficient workpiece vacuum.
Develop and modify furniture CAD drawings to suit CNC processes.
Read and interpret furniture specifications and drawings.
Use editor software to modify or create furniture CNC programmes.
Rectify simple machine faults for example fast running, blunt tooling, burn marks or incorrect tool compensation.
Manage self and others and influence teams to achieve objectives.
Apply coaching, mentoring and team development techniques such as the GROW model.
Develop own skills to improve furniture CNC performance.
Train others to use machinery safely to company standards.
Record information required accurately for example production records.
Set tooling in various holders for example HSK (hollow taper shank), tribos and shrinkfit.
Able to check furniture products meet quality standards and furniture specifications.
Set tool compensation data in furniture CNC programmes.
Set tool data and parameters in furniture CNC programmes.
Optimise machinery for the best yield of materials.
Set, load, prove and optimise furniture CNC programmes.
Manage resources effectively including raw materials and time.
Select tooling suitable for use with materials being processed for example different varieties of wood.
Set up and operate furniture CNC/NC (Computer Numerically Controlled/Numerically controlled) machinery using appropriate safety measures and guards.
Maintain furniture CNC/NC machinery within limits of responsibility for example lubricating machinery, checking fluid levels, keeping machinery clean.
Apply improvement techniques to furniture manufacturing processes for example using different tooling, aggregate heads, tandem loading or tandem loading.
Work safely at all times, wearing appropriate PPE, adhering to COSHH records and completing health and safety records and reports.
Follow Safe Systems of work for the relevant machining processes.
Produce and maintain jigs and holding devices to ensure sufficient workpiece vacuum.
Develop and modify furniture CAD drawings to suit CNC processes.
Read and interpret furniture specifications and drawings.
Use editor software to modify or create furniture CNC programmes.
Rectify simple machine faults for example fast running, blunt tooling, burn marks or incorrect tool compensation.
Manage self and others and influence teams to achieve objectives.
Apply coaching, mentoring and team development techniques such as the GROW model.
Develop own skills to improve furniture CNC performance.
Record information required accurately for example production records.
Set tooling in various holders for example HSK (hollow taper shank), tribos and shrinkfit.
Able to check furniture products meet quality standards and furniture specifications.

Your training plan

Training will be delivered in the workplace.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

A Min of 5 GCSE's inc English & Maths (grade 4-9 (C-A*))

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
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Keen eye for detail
Time Management
Working with Wood
Willingness to learn

Other requirements

To be able to travel to and from Princes Risborough . The train station and bus stops are a 15 minute walk from the factory. This apprenticeship the college element will be delivered all in the workplace.

About this company

Ercol Furniture is a leading UK furniture brand supplying high quality interior furniture to the UK and international markets. It employs over 100 people and has a purpose-built manufacturing site in Buckinghamshire where it produces high quality, solid wood products. The company has been designing and manufacturing furniture since 1920 and has seen many changes during this time. Ercol have invested in state-of-the-art machinery and manufacturing process to complement their traditional methods, to ensure a strong base for the next 100 years. These apprenticeships offer great opportunities for people to be part of the future development of the business, and to help drive the business, and their careers forward into the future

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

After this apprenticeship

All of ercol's current Factory Managers started as an ercol apprentice. The apprenticeship could develop into offline programming and new product development.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Sally Parr

s.parr@theengineeringtrust.org

07879 128768

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000302591.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 23 June 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Please use the link to fill out an application form.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents