Apprentice Machinist

Summary

Into mechanics and hands-on work? Goodman Precision Engineering is looking for Machine Shop Apprentices to join their modern workshop. Learn real skills, work with experts, and launch a career in advanced manufacturing.

Wage

£16,640 a year

Annual Salary

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

3 years 9 months

Positions available

2

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

Responsibilities – What You’ll Be Doing:

• Learning to set up and operate CNC milling and turning machines
• Working with both 3 axis and 5 axis CNC machinery
• Reading and understanding engineering drawings
• Using CAD/CAM software to support CNC programming
• Inspecting and measuring components to ensure quality standards are met
• Completing basic paperwork and quality checks
• Following health and safety procedures at all times
• Working as part of a supportive and experienced engineering team

You’ll begin with the fundamentals and gradually take on more responsibility as your skills and confidence develop. We’re looking for someone who is hardworking and motivated, keen to learn new skills, and reliable and punctual. You should take pride in your work and have a genuine interest in engineering or manufacturing, with a positive attitude and willingness to develop within the role.

Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received. Predicted grades will be considered, with offers subject to confirmation of final results.

Where you'll work

17-19
ERICA ROAD
STACEY BUSHES
MILTON KEYNES
MK12 6HS

Training

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

Training provider

MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Comply with environmental, ethical and sustainability regulations and procedures: safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials and efficient use of resources.
• Prepare and set up conventional or CNC machines.
• Operate and adjust conventional or CNC machines.
• Apply risk assessment and hazard identification processes and procedures in the work area.
• Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies, and complete stock returns.
• Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
• Read and interpret information. For example, data and documentation used to produce machined components.
• Apply engineering, mathematical and scientific principles.
• Plan and organise own work and resources.
• Follow and apply inspection, quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Select machining process.
• Select and setup tooling and work holding devices.
• Set and adjust machine operating parameters. For example, setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations, loading, proving and validating programs when using a CNC machine tool.
• Apply machining operations and techniques to produce complex components with features. For example, parallel; stepped; angular diameters and faces; grooves; slots; recesses and undercuts; radii and chamfers; internal and external forms and profiles; reamed; bored; drilled and electro eroded holes; internal and external screw threads.
• Measure and check components.
• Select and check condition of tools and equipment. Identify issues, resolve and take action as needed.
• Identify and action issues in the manufacturing process.
• Apply fault-finding and diagnostic testing procedures to identify faults. Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
• Maintain the work area and return any resources and consumables.
• Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Follow machine shut down, safe isolation, handover, start up or warm up procedures. Escalate issues.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
• Apply ethical principles.
• Apply team working principles.
• Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Comply with environmental, ethical and sustainability regulations and procedures: safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials and efficient use of resources.
• Prepare and set up conventional or CNC machines.
• Operate and adjust conventional or CNC machines.
• Apply risk assessment and hazard identification processes and procedures in the work area.
• Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies, and complete stock returns.
• Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
• Read and interpret information. For example, data and documentation used to produce machined components.
• Apply engineering, mathematical and scientific principles.
• Plan and organise own work and resources.
• Follow and apply inspection, quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Select machining process.
• Select and setup tooling and work holding devices.
• Set and adjust machine operating parameters. For example, setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations, loading, proving and validating programs when using a CNC machine tool.
• Apply machining operations and techniques to produce complex components with features. For example, parallel; stepped; angular diameters and faces; grooves; slots; recesses and undercuts; radii and chamfers; internal and external forms and profiles; reamed; bored; drilled and electro eroded holes; internal and external screw threads.
• Measure and check components.
• Select and check condition of tools and equipment. Identify issues, resolve and take action as needed.
• Identify and action issues in the manufacturing process.
• Apply fault-finding and diagnostic testing procedures to identify faults. Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
• Maintain the work area and return any resources and consumables.
• Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Follow machine shut down, safe isolation, handover, start up or warm up procedures. Escalate issues.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
• Apply ethical principles.
• Apply team working principles.

Training schedule

Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard: This apprenticeship combines hands‑on training with the employer alongside structured learning at Milton Keynes College. You’ll develop practical, real‑world skills in the workplace while attending college one day per week to build your technical knowledge and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 9-4)
• Maths (grade 9-5)
• Science (grade 9-4)

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

Skills

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Accuracy
• Willingness to learn
• Problem solving
• Following instructions

Other requirements

Please note, this role offers 28 days’ holiday including Bank Holidays (increasing with service).

It is a hands‑on, workshop‑based position rather than office‑based, and you will be required to stand for parts of the day.

Accuracy and attention to detail are essential, along with a willingness to follow strict health and safety procedures.

A genuine interest in engineering or how things are made is required.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and have been a UK resident for the last 3 years to be eligible for this apprenticeship.