The Role

The apprentice will support the Machine Shop in the manufacture of precision components used in satellite communication systems, while learning to work safely, accurately and in accordance with company and industry-wide quality standards.

What You'll Be Doing

As part of our machine shop team, you'll learn how to:

• Set up and operate both Manual and CNC milling and turning machines
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD models
• Manufacture precision components to exact specifications
• Use professional measuring equipment including Micrometres, Vernier callipers, CMM inspection equipment
• Work safely in a modern engineering environment
• Learn about tooling, materials, machine programming, and machining techniques
• Develop problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Support Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and 5S activities
• Work alongside engineers, machinists, quality teams, and production specialists
• Take part in rotations across different departments to understand how the business operates

What We're Looking For

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Have a genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing, or how things work
• Enjoy practical, hands-on activities
• Have strong attention to detail
• Are reliable, motivated, and keen to learn
• Can work well as part of a team
• Are willing to obtain UK Security Clearance if required

Course Contents

• Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Comply with environmental, ethical, and sustainability regulations and procedures: safe disposal of waste, recycling 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, manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, worksheets, 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 organize 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.