Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard
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
What an apprentice needs
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.
What they’ll learn
Machining complex and precise components from metal or specialist materials, in a manufacturing environment.
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They will machine to fine tolerances
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
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They will set up and adjust the machines themselves
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
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They will write and prove CNC programs
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
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They will inspect and improve
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
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They will check the material before they cut it
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
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They will choose the tooling and the work holding
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
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Safety is a daily routine, not a briefing
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
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They will write it down and tell people
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
Nobody springs anything on anyone
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.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
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.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 4 HNC Automation and Control Engineering for England At University Campus Doncaster
- Level 4 HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering for England At University Campus Doncaster
- Level 4 HNC Engineering for England At University Campus Doncaster
See all 12 courses
At University Campus Doncaster
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
- HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HNC Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HNC Mechanical Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HNC Operations Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HND Electrical & Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HND Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HND Mechanical Engineering for England (HTQ)
Careers it can lead to
- Tool Makers, Tool Fitters and Markers-out £35,900 a year
- Metal Machining Setters and Setter-operators £36,500 a year
- Metal Working Production and Maintenance Fitters £37,800 a year
- Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
See all 10 careers
- Sheet Metal Workers £34,600 a year
- Metal Working Machine Operatives £32,000 a year
- Assemblers (Vehicles and Metal Goods) £30,800 a year
- Metal Plate Workers, Smiths, Moulders and Related Occupations £38,500 a year
With further study or experience
- Mechanical Engineers £46,400 a year
- Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Supervisors £43,900 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
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.
You'll need an employer first
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.