Machining Technician (Level 3 Standard)

Machining technicians produce complex and precision machined products typically used in machinery. For example, aeroplanes and vehicles. They can also produce bespoke components or products for domestic appliances or medical equipment. They use a variety of machines to carry out their work. For example, centre lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, and horizontal and cylindrical grinding machines. Electro discharge machines, single and multi-axis Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine tools centres. Gear cutting and Gear Grinding machines.

Machining Technicians interpret information and plan their activities. They also set up, operate and adjust machine tool settings. When using CNC equipment, they can produce, prove and validate programs. They inspect components and machinery, report issues and support continuous improvement activities. They typically work in a manufacturing environment. Depending on the organisation, they may be required to work at height or work shifts.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have a minimum of 3-5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in sectors across aerospace, automotive, nuclear, or construction while attending college on a weekly day release basis. They set up, operate, and adjust machine tools, such as CNC, milling, grinding, and lathe machines, to manufacture high-quality parts to exact specifications.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers engineering principles, technical drawing interpretation, machining processes, quality control, tooling and materials, and health and safety. Apprentices also learn to use digital systems, monitor production, and apply continuous improvement techniques in line with industry standards.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in CNC programming, manual machining, multi-axis operations, or prototype development depending on interest and employer needs. Employers may support additional training in CAD/CAM software, metrology, or lean manufacturing depending on the company’s focus and sector.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 42 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as machining technician, cnc operator, or precision engineer, with progression into engineering manufacturing technician, team leadership, or degree-level engineering routes.

For a comprehensive understanding of this engineering programme and what it entails, please click here.

This engineering Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day-release basis which varies depending on your employer’s preference, However, this is normally two days a week for the first year and one day a week for the second year. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, for the duration of your apprenticeship to assess you in your workplace and review progress with your employer. You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this engineering Apprenticeship will take 42 months to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk