Precision Machining Apprenticeship (Level 3 Advanced) 

About the apprenticeship:

Precision machining is the manufacturing of components on various machines. During the first part of your training as a Precision Machining Apprentice (Years 1 & 2) you will learn basic machining and hand fitting skills through a series of supervised machining tasks, in which you will manufacture of a number of useful engineering tools. 

You will attend a variety of lectures, through college day release, which will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques that you will be using. It will also give you more information about the materials, manufacturing equipment and processes that you will be following throughout your career. 

Apprentices work on a variety of machines within the academy including: 

• Manual Centre lathes 
• Manual Vertical and horizontal milling machines 
• Surface grinders 
• Pillar drills 
• Computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathes & CNC milling machines
  
  

In the second part of your training (years 3 & 4), in your on-site rotational placements, you will undertake a series of more advanced machining tasks. These are designed to prepare and expose you to the full spectrum of our plant, including CNC milling and turning machines and the facilities that you will work in. 

During your apprenticeship you will have been working towards gathering a portfolio of evidence so that you can demonstrate your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s) against your Apprenticeship Standard. Within the last six months of your apprenticeship, you will complete the End Point Assessment

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:

This role will appeal to you if you enjoy the challenge of manufacturing a component to meet the specifications laid down on an engineering drawing. You will need good hand eye co-ordination skills and good workshop maths skills. The machinist role is very much a hands-on role, it will require you to operate your own machines to manufacture parts which will fit together with other team members parts.

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English 
• Applicants must be aged 16 or over, as of 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements  
• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
• If you currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or similar, you should consider applying for a degree level apprenticeship.

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