CNC Milling & Turning Apprentice

Summary

As a CNC Milling and Turning Apprentice, you will learn to manufacture precision components using computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Working under the supervision of experienced engineers, you will develop practical skills in machining, programming, and quality control within a modern engineering or manufacturing environment.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Annual pay review. If eligible company pension scheme.

Training course

Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday- Friday 7am- 4pm 1 hour for lunch

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 5 October 2026

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

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up and operating CNC milling and turning machines
• Learn to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Support the production of precision parts to required tolerances and quality standards
• Gain basic knowledge of CNC programming (e.g. G-code)
• Measure and inspect components using tools such as micrometers, verniers, and gauges
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment in accordance with health and safety regulations
• Assist with machine maintenance and tooling changes
• Work as part of a team to meet production targets and deadlines Training & Development
• Work towards a recognised engineering apprenticeship qualification

Develop skills in:

o CNC programming and operation

o Tool selection and setup

o Material handling

o Quality control processes

Attend college or training provider sessions alongside on-the-job learning

Where you'll work

UNIT 1-8 EURO WAY
BLAGROVE
SWINDON
WILTSHIRE
SN5 8YW

Training

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

Training provider

NEW COLLEGE SWINDON

Training course

Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
• Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
• Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
• Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
• Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
• Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
• Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
• Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
• Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
• Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
• Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
• Follow standard operating procedures.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
• Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Apply team working principles.
• Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
• Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
• Carry out and record learning and development activities.
• Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
• Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
• Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
• Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
• Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
• Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
• Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
• Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
• Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
• Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
• Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
• Follow standard operating procedures.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
• Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Apply team working principles.
• Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
• Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
• Carry out and record learning and development activities.
• Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.

Training schedule

• On the job training will take place at the workplace 4 days per week 
• Off the job training will take place at New College Swindon 1 day per week

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4 or equivalent)
• Mathematics (grade 4 or equivalent)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Reliable and Punctual
• Willing to learn
• Practical ability