CNC Machine Shop Apprentice

Summary

Train as a CNC Machine Shop Apprentice with Jonic Engineering, learning CNC programming, engineering processes and quality checks while supporting the manufacture of precision hydraulic cylinder components. Work with experienced engineers, gain hands-on experience and develop your skills in a modern manufacturing environment.

Wage

£16,224 to £25,775.88, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Training course

Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Thursday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Friday, 9.00am to 12.00pm.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

4 years

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

As a CNC Engineering Apprentice at Jonic Engineering, you will develop the knowledge and technical skills required to support the manufacture of precision hydraulic cylinder components. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will gain experience in CNC programming, engineering processes and quality assurance within a modern manufacturing environment.

Your duties will include:

• Learn how to programme CNC machines using Fanuc control systems
• Support the operation and optimisation of both long bed and short bed CNC machines
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and production documentation
• Develop an understanding of CNC programming principles, tooling, cutting data and manufacturing processes
• Use precision measuring equipment, including verniers, micrometres and gauges, to inspect components and verify they meet specifications
• Assist with programme adjustments and process improvements to enhance quality and production efficiency
• Support engineers with troubleshooting production and programming issues
• Ensure components meet customer quality standards and engineering tolerances
• Maintain accurate production and quality records where required
• Follow company quality procedures, engineering standards and health and safety requirements at all times
• Work collaboratively with production and engineering teams to support the manufacture of high-quality hydraulic cylinders
• Continue developing technical knowledge through workplace experience and apprenticeship training

Where you'll work

Jonic Engineering Ltd, 237 Speedwell Road
Yardley
Birmingham
B25 8EU

Training

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

Training provider

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

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

The apprentice will train through a combination of workplace learning and academic study. They will develop practical skills and knowledge by working on real engineering projects with their employer, supported by experienced engineers. This hands-on experience is complemented by structured academic learning.

Training will be delivered from James Watt College in Great Barr Birmingham. On successful completion of this apprenticeship, apprentices will achieve the Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard and a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies (awarded by EAL or Pearson BTEC).

Apprentices will also complete the End-Point Assessment and meet any applicable English and mathematics requirements. This apprenticeship provides a recognised route towards professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), supporting future career progression within the engineering and manufacturing sector.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4/C or above)
• Science (grade 4/C or above)
• Maths (grade 5/B or above)
• Any Subject (grade 4/C)

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

Skills

• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Initiative
• IT skills
• Logical
• Number skills
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working

Other requirements

You will be required to travel between the employer's site in Yardley and James Watt College in Great Barr, Birmingham. Before applying, please ensure you have researched the travel arrangements and can reliably commute to both locations.