CNC Operator Apprentice

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team as an apprentice CNC operator, through training you will learn to work the different types of CNC machines we have on site.

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

The CNC Apprentice will work alongside experienced machinists and engineers to develop the skills and knowledge required to operate, set up, and maintain CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in manufacturing processes while undertaking relevant apprenticeship training.

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn to operate CNC milling, turning, and machining equipment safely and effectively
• Assist in setting up CNC machines and preparing materials for production
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and work instructions
• Monitor machine performance and report any faults or issues to supervisors
• Conduct quality inspections using measuring equipment such as callipers, micrometers, and gauges
• Support routine machine maintenance and housekeeping activities
• Assist with tooling changes and machine adjustments under supervision
• Record production data and complete required documentation accurately
• Follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times
• Participate in apprenticeship training and complete coursework within agreed timescales
• Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and quality standards

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong interest in engineering and manufacturing
• Good attention to detail and a commitment to quality
• Good numerical and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Reliable, punctual, and motivated attitude
• Basic computer skills

Where you'll work

Vulcan Works
Vulcan Road
Bilston
WV14 7HW

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

Training provider

DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Training course

Machining technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels opens in new tab

What you'll learn

Course contents

• 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.