Apprentice Machine Operator

Mechanical Apprenticeship in Thermoplastics & Composite Machining

Rochling are a world-leading company in Thermoplastics & Composite machining, training the next generation by offering a Mechanical Apprenticeship.

Wage: £17,230 a year
Training course: Machining technician (level 3)
Hours: Days 8am-4.45pm (Monday - Thursday) and 8am-2.30pm (Fridays). 39 hours a week
Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
Duration: 3 years
Positions available: 3

What You'll Do

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

• At Work:

  • Learn with the help of a skilled machinist on the shop floor to use Manual machines, CNC Machines and inspect their parts with the aid of engineered drawings.
  • Various types of CNC machines, e.g. Mazak Lathes, Haas 5 Axis, Hass Routers, Datrons and various others.
  • Touch on Cad Cam and also the Inspection Department.

• Training:

  • 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.