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Machine Operative Apprentice
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Apprentice Machinist
This vacancy is for an Apprentice Machinist based in Walton Summit Centre, Preston.
This rewarding career requires a broad skill set—math, mechanical design, interpreting technical drawings and programs, eye for detail—to properly transform a metal casting into a valuable working machined part.
Wage
- £16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age. National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices.
Training Course
- Machining technician (level 3).
Hours
- Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm. 40 hours a week.
Start Date
- Monday 7 September 2026.
Duration
- 3 years 6 months.
Positions Available
What you'll do at work
A Machine Operator Apprenticeship at Simmal Ltd, a family-run aluminium manufacturing and stockholding business based in Preston, UK.
Involves learning to process materials, set and operate machining equipment (e.g., saws, milling machines, guillotines), and ensure high standards of quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Machine Operation
- Learn to safely set, operate, and monitor aluminium processing and manufacturing machinery
-
Quality Control
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, measure components using precision tools (e.g., micrometre's, vernier calliper's), and inspect parts for defects
-
Material Handling
- Load raw materials and unload finished components, as well as pick, pack, and load customer orders
-
Maintenance
- Perform routine machine cleaning, basic maintenance, and ensure a clean, safe working environment
-
Compliance
- Adhere to all health and safety, environment, and quality policies.
Role Requirements
Education & Skills
Where you'll work
UNIT 479/480 WALTON SUMMIT CENTRE BAMBER BRIDGE PRESTON PR5 8AR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training Provider
TRAINING 2000 LIMITED
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.
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Training schedule
This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
- GCSE in:
- English (grade Grade 4/C or above)
- Maths (grade Grade 4/C or above)
Desirable qualifications
- GCSE in:
- Science (grade Grade 4/C or above)
Get help with your application
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Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
Please do not contact the company directly. Please note - we reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a suitable number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply as soon as possible if you wish to be considered for this role.
A full, clean UK driving licence is typically required, as the role can occasionally involve driving company transport vehicles (e.g., 3.5T flatbed) or forklift operation.
About this employer
Simmal Ltd is an established company with over 4 decades worth of experience in the aluminium industry. We are a uniquely financed, second-generation family business with a strongly customer-based approach.
Our clients include those in the nuclear, aeronautical and automotive industries and our experience stretches to many different engineering applications. Here at Simmal, we believe in offering a comprehensive service. Whether you require precision components or a custom solution to a particular problem, we can help.
https://simmal.com/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Engineers work in high-tech, dynamic environments using state of the art equipment. They are inventors, designers and problem solvers, people who make a difference to the way we live.
As trained professionals, engineers are well paid and highly respected. Many get top jobs and even run their own companies. If you enjoy working as part of a team, like solving problems and have a practical flair, you will find engineering has a lot to offer.
Career Development
Successfully completing an apprenticeship can lead to roles as a fully qualified Machine Operator, Production Supervisor, or Production Manager.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TRAINING 2000 LIMITED
Grace Gardner
grace.gardner@t2000.co.uk
01254 54659
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045100.
Apply now
Closes in 30 days (Friday 28 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
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