Apprentice CNC Machinist

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly professional traditional engineering firm whose expertise are in demand. The Apprentice CNC Machinist will spend time within the machine shop to learn about CNC milling and CNC turning. They will be involved with manufacturing aerospace components made from aluminium, stainless and mild steel.

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)

Xcel’s rates for apprentices in their first year: Age: 16 to 19 yrs - £7.55. 19 to 20 yrs - £10.03. 21 yrs and over - £12.21.

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Various shifts: Monday to Thursday 6am–3pm & Friday 6am–11am. OR Monday to Thursday 7am–4pm & Friday 7am–12pm. OR Monday to Thursday 8am–5pm & Friday 8am–1pm. With a 30 minute lunch break and an additional 15 minute break in the morning each day.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 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

Day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Perform tool setting, machine maintenance, machine loading, de-burring of components, loading CNC program of components, inspection of components and updating of system to achieve current status of workload.
To understand and interpret Engineering drawings, including GD&T, and to use a range of standard and special measuring equipment, as well as working closely with QC to achieve high ‘First off’ pass rates and to liaise with QC to resolve issues and eliminate repeat failures.
To have an understanding of cutting tool and component materials and their effect on productivity. The importance of correct tool selection, an understanding of cutting tool conditions including rigidity, speeds, feeds, lubrication and their application and effect. Also, to understand tool failure and to recognise causes and take appropriate action to rectify them.
To understand and apply safe and appropriate workholding methods and techniques to satisfy component requirements, including manual and automatic chucks, vices, direct clamping (to machine tables) and special jigs and fixtures.
Verify the conformity of parts, assemblies and sub-assemblies in line with engineering drawings, the quality management system and any special customer requirements.
Identify and report non-conformance as per the Company procedure.
Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance and Health Safety Environment policies and procedures.

Where you’ll work

1 Ashton Road
Romford
Essex
RM3 8UH

Training

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

College or training organisation

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

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 be working towards the Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard.
Qualifications include: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (Development Competence), EAL Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence) and EAL Level 3 Diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge).
This is a 4 year apprenticeship with college attendance required one day per week.
College attendance will be at our Colchester Institute - Braintree Campus.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

5 GCSE's, including Maths, English and Science (grade A*-C/9-4)

Other in:

Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (grade Pass)

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
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

This is a very hands-on role, working on the shop floor and will involve standing/being on your feet for sustained periods. On site parking is also available.

About this company

With over 40 years’ experience, XCEL Aerospace is a leader in delivering manufacturing excellence within the global aerospace market. Our strong reputation as a world class supplier of manufactured aerospace components supports thousands of flight hours every year. We support customers to reduce supply chain risk by providing high quality components and assembly parts, on time, in full and at competitive prices. We support our customers to perform and grow, and together we deliver excellence. As a highly driven and motivated business, we understand and value the importance of trust and integrity when nurturing relationships with our customers. Our commitment to maintaining our knowledge-rich, excellence-focused culture is part of our goal to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with you. We drive high standards in service quality which elevates us above other key players in our industry. We currently employ 54 team members at our site in Romford.

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

Company benefits

Benenden Healthcare contribution scheme. Assistance Programme. 23 Holiday days plus bank holidays (increases to 26 days in 5th year). Life Assurance. Pension Scheme (if eligible). Whirlpool Discount Scheme. Employee recognition and referral scheme.

After this apprenticeship

The expected career progression after this apprenticeship could include:

CNC Miller/Setter/Operator.
CNC Turner/Setter/Operator.
Highly skilled Miller/Turner.
Deputy Cell Leader.
Cell Leader.
Manufacturing Engineer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeships Team

ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk

01206712043

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000315821.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 13 June 2025

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