Machining Technician
Machining Technicians work in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) sector, which includes fields like Aerospace, Automotive, Maritime Defence, Nuclear, and Construction. Their job is to create complex and precise parts used in machines, such as airplanes and vehicles, as well as custom components for home appliances and medical equipment.
They operate various machines, including:
- Centre lathes
- Vertical and horizontal milling machines
- Grinding machines
- CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines
- Gear cutting and grinding machines
Flexible start dates
This apprenticeship covers the following knowledge, skills and behaviours:
Knowledge
- K1: Health and safety regulations relevant to the occupation.
- K2: Hazardous waste regulations and disposal procedures.
- K3: Environmental and sustainability regulations.
- K4: Engineering representations and drawings.
- K5: Engineering mathematics and scientific principles.
- K6: Planning techniques and work scheduling.
- K7: Properties and characteristics of engineering materials.
- K8: Engineering standards and regulations.
- K9: Tooling and work-holding devices.
- K10: Engineering machining processes and tools.
- K11: Machining operations and techniques for complex components.
- K12: Quality assurance principles and practices.
- K13: Fault-finding and diagnostic methods.
- K14: Measurement and testing equipment.
- K15: Communication techniques and terminology.
- K16: Documentation practices.
- K17: Housekeeping and maintenance practices.
- K18: Variations in organizations regarding culture and processes.
- K19: Inspection processes and procedures.
- K20: Technological developments in the machining sector.
- K21: Continuous improvement principles.
- K22: Equality, diversity, and inclusion requirements.
- K23: Stock management considerations.
Skills
- S1: Comply with health and safety regulations.
- S2: Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations.
- S3: Prepare and set up machines.
- S4: Operate and adjust machines.
- S5: Apply risk assessment processes.
- S6: Monitor and check stock supplies.
- S7: Record information accurately.
- S8: Read and interpret technical information.
- S9: Apply engineering principles.
- S10: Plan and organize work.
- S11: Follow quality assurance procedures.
- S12: Select machining processes.
- S13: Set up tooling and work-holding devices.
- S14: Adjust machine operating parameters.
- S15: Apply machining operations to produce components.
- S16: Measure and check components.
- S17: Identify and resolve issues with tools and equipment.
- S18: Identify issues in the manufacturing process.
- S19: Apply fault-finding procedures.
- S20: Maintain the work area and resources.
- S21: Communicate effectively with others.
- S22: Follow machine shutdown and isolation procedures.
- S23: Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- S24: Apply ethical principles.
- S25: Work effectively in a team.
Behaviours
- B1: Prioritize health and safety.
- B2: Act ethically.
- B3: Take responsibility for work.
- B4: Work as a team to meet goals.
- B5: Commit to continued professional development.
- B6: Support an inclusive culture.
- A minimum of grades 9-4 (A*-C) in maths and English
- Commitment from employer to support the apprenticeship, providing on-the-job training and mentorship.
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
- Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
- Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Apprentices will learn to operate and set up machinery, interpret technical drawings, ensure quality control, and understand health and safety regulations, among other skills.
After completing the apprenticeship, you can work in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, nuclear, and construction, among others.
The Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship is a full-time programme, combining on-the-job training with classroom-based learning
Graduates of the Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship can pursue various roles, including Machining Technician, CNC Operator, and Manufacturing Engineer, among others.
End-Point Assessment (EPA) is a final assessment that happens at the end of an apprenticeship programme. It is designed to evaluate whether an apprentice has gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to meet the apprenticeship standards and be deemed competent in their occupation.
