Precision work, conventional and CNC
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
Apprentices need to have achieved maths and English GCSE at grade 4 or above or equivalent. Employers may set their own criteria.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
Machining complex and precise components from metal or specialist materials, in a manufacturing environment.
Complex and precision components from metal or specialist materials, using conventional or CNC machine tools.
Covers conventional machine tools, CNC machine tools, metal and specialist materials
Interpreting the information, planning their activities, then setting up, operating and adjusting the machine tool settings.
Covers interpreting information, planning, machine setup, operation and adjustment
Producing, proving and validating programs on CNC equipment, which is the difference between an operator and a technician.
Covers producing CNC programs, proving and validating programs
Inspecting components and machinery, reporting issues, and supporting continuous improvement rather than only flagging faults.
Covers inspection of components and machinery, reporting issues, continuous improvement
Checking and inspecting material against the quality standard and reporting what is wrong with it, whether that is the grade, the dimensions or the thickness. Finding it afterwards is finding it too late.
Covers checking material against quality standards, identifying incorrect grades, dimensions and thicknesses
Planning and preparing the machining sequence, then selecting and setting the right tooling, work-holding devices and materials for it. On complex work this is most of the job.
Covers planning the machining sequence, selecting and setting tooling and work-holding devices
Safety checks and performance monitoring on the machine and the area around it before work starts, and scheduled shut down or safe isolation at the end of it.
Covers safety checks, performance monitoring, machine shut down and safe isolation
Machining documentation at every stage, standard operating procedures and audit contributions, and keeping customers, colleagues and line managers informed about the work.
Covers machining documentation, standard operating procedures, audits, keeping stakeholders informed
All apprentices must undertake an independent end-point assessment which is an assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7575
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.
