Machining Technician Apprentice (CNC Engineering)

Join one of the UK's leading manufacturers of precision rifle barrels and learn a highly specialised engineering trade. Working alongside experienced CNC machinists, you'll develop skills in advanced manufacturing, precision measurement, quality control and CNC machining while earning a nationally recognised qualification.

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 course

Mechatronics maintenance technician (level 3)

Hours

• Monday - Thursday: 7.30am - 4.30pm
• Friday: 7.30am - 1.30pm
• Overtime may be available depending on business requirements.
• 40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

1

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

What you'll do at work

The apprentice will learn every stage of the manufacturing process, including:

• Operating CNC lathes
• Machine set-up
• Measuring components using precision equipment
• Reading engineering drawings
• Deburring and finishing parts
• Recording inspection data
• Maintaining machinery
• Health & Safety procedures
• Lean manufacturing
• Supporting experienced machinists
• Learning production planning and workflow

The successful apprentice will gradually take responsibility for producing high-quality precision engineered components.

Where you'll work

19 ASTON ROAD NORTH BIRMINGHAM B6 4DS

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

Training provider

SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE

Training course

Mechatronics maintenance technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Use information technology, for example to create documentation, communication and information management.
• Obtain, read and interpret task related documentation, such as work instructions, quality control documents, drawings, operation manuals, specifications and service manuals.
• Record information for example 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.
• Conduct initial assessment of equipment that requires maintenance.
• Formulate plans setting out the methodology of the maintenance activity including timescales and resources.
• Select, prepare and use material, consumables, tools and equipment.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and organisational requirements applicable in the workplace. For example, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, PPE and applying safe systems of work.
• Apply dynamic risk assessment, hazard identification and risk mitigation principles and techniques.
• Apply isolation principles and techniques to equipment undergoing maintenance, including dissipation of stored energies as required.
• Manufacture, repair and refurbish components using hand and machine tools.
• Restore the workplace on completion of the maintenance activity. Handover resources, consumables and equipment to process owner.
• Apply the techniques and processes used in reactive maintenance and repair activities on complex engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Produce, maintain, update, record and store documentation including electronic items such as PLC and robot programmes.
• Apply techniques and processes used in planned and preventative maintenance activities on engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Apply functional testing and checking techniques and processes after maintenance interventions, and handover to the operational team.
• Apply techniques and processes used in condition monitoring, non-destructive or sensory testing. Record findings and take necessary actions.
• Apply calculation techniques such as, feeds, speeds, tolerances, electrical calculations using Ohms law, power calculations and cable sizing calculations.
• Select, use and confirm calibration of electrical and mechanical testing and measuring equipment.
• Produce sketches or drawings to support maintenance activities.
• Communicate in writing. Prepare communications, documents and reports on technical matters.
• Segregate, separate and dispose of waste streams and by-products.
• Apply 4S or 5S principles of housekeeping to the work environment.
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve operational performance.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Communicate with others verbally. Negotiate with colleagues or stakeholders. For example, to access equipment or arrange access to equipment.
• Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
• Apply fault finding techniques used in reactive maintenance on complex integrated systems including half split, input output, six point technique, function or performance testing, unit or component substitution and equipment diagnostics.