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Level 3 Engineering Machining technician Apprentice

South Woodham Ferrers
£16.6k/yr
Posted 1 day ago
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Level 3 Engineering Machining Technician Apprentice

SALCO PRECISION ENGINEERING LIMITED

Location: South Woodham Ferrers (CM3 5WA)
Closing Date: 15 days from now (Friday 16 October 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on: 30 September 2026

Summary

  • Learning to use CAD software.
  • Setting up the workpiece.
  • Tool Setting.
  • Testing Programs.
  • Part Inspection.

Wage: £16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training

Training Course: Engineering Technician (Level 3)
Hours: 4 days working, 1 day in college, 40 hours a week
Start Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026
Duration: 3 years 6 months
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

Salco Precision Engineering Ltd is looking for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our experienced engineering team and develop a career within CNC machining and precision engineering. Working alongside experienced engineers, the successful candidate will receive practical training in the operation, setting and basic programming of CNC milling machines while developing an understanding of the complete manufacturing process. The apprentice will learn how to:

  • Read and understand engineering drawings and job specifications.
  • Use CAD/CAM software to support the manufacture of precision components.
  • Prepare and set up workpieces correctly for machining.
  • Select, set and change cutting tools.
  • Assist with setting and operating CNC milling machines.
  • Learn CNC machining principles and develop programming skills.
  • Test and check CNC programs before and during production.
  • Monitor machining operations and identify potential problems.
  • Measure and inspect finished components using appropriate measuring and inspection equipment.
  • Check components against engineering drawings, dimensions and tolerances.
  • Carry out basic machine and work-area maintenance.
  • Follow company health and safety procedures and safe working practices.
  • Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
  • Work effectively with experienced engineers and other members of the production team.

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I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

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Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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The apprentice will gain practical experience producing precision-engineered components for customers across a range of industries. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest in engineering, manufacturing and CNC machining who wants to develop practical skills within an established precision engineering company. The role will combine workplace training with one day per week attending college.

Training Schedule

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

Training Provider: CHELMSFORD COLLEGE
Course Contents:

  • Obtaining, checking and using the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation)
  • Working safely at all times, complying with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements
  • Planning and where applicable obtaining all the resources required to undertake the work activity
  • Undertaking the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment
  • Carrying out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment
  • Dealing promptly and effectively with engineering/manufacturing problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be resolved to the appropriate personnel
  • Completing any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity
  • Restoring the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location

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Skills:

  • Teamwork
  • Reliable
  • Attention to detail

Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

  • GCSE in: Maths (grade 4) English (grade 4)

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

About This Employer

CNC Machining using CAD software. Sectors – Automotive, Medical, Mechanical.
http://www.salcoengineering.co.uk

After This Apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab). A level 3 Engineering Machine Technician qualification and a potential future job.

Contact

The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CHELMSFORD COLLEGE
David Cornwell
cornwelld@chelmsford.ac.uk
01245 265611

Reference Code for this apprenticeship: VAC2000056367

Apply Now

Closes in 15 days (Friday 16 October 2026 at 11:59pm)
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Skills

spot metal imperfections
work in teams
act reliably
attend to detail
engineering principles
mathematics
principles of mechanical engineering
engineering processes
CAE software
mechanical engineering
mechanics
troubleshoot
adjust engineering designs
analyse test data
design engineering components
define part requirements
read engineering drawings
liaise with engineers

Location

15 Cutlers Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford CM3 5WA, UK

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