Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Machining Technician
Role overview
Machining Technicians work in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector, producing high-quality, precision-engineered components using a range of conventional and CNC machine tools. They play a vital role in manufacturing parts to exact specifications for industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, defence and precision engineering.
Throughout the apprenticeship, learners develop the skills to set up, operate and adjust machine tools including lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, electro-discharge machines (EDM) and multi-axis CNC machining centres. They also learn to create, prove and edit CNC programmes, monitor machining operations, and use precision measuring equipment to inspect components, making adjustments where required to ensure products consistently meet quality and specification standards.
This apprenticeship equips learners with the technical knowledge, practical skills and attention to detail required to produce complex engineering components safely, efficiently and to the highest industry standards.
Entry requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or above) including Level 2 or GCSE C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science.
- If an Apprentice has not already achieved Level 2 (GCSE C/4 or above) English and Maths they must study for and achieve Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths.
- Initial Assessment on enrolment Level 2 Maths and English
Qualifications obtained
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining
Programme includes
Engineering Technicians in the wider Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Sector are predominantly involved in highly skilled, complex work and must, as a minimum be able to:
- Apply safe systems of working
- Make a technical contribution to either the design, development, quality assurance, manufacture, installation, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, systems, processes or services
- Apply proven techniques and procedures to solve engineering/manufacturing problems
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in communicating both technical and non-technical information
- Have a commitment to continued professional development
- Engineering Technicians take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake within the limits of their personal authority. They also need to be able to demonstrate a core set of behaviours in order to be competent in their job role, complement wider business strategy and development. This will enable them to support their long term career development.
Engineered and manufactured products and systems that Engineering Technicians work on could involve mechanical, electrical, electronic, electromechanical and fluid power components/systems.
Where can you work?
Engineering Technician, Machinist, Mechatronics Engineer and Toolmaker
Key information
Starts
- The Apprenticeship programme will start in September
Enrolment
- The enrolment process will be completed prior to the start date of the Apprenticeship
Delivery
- The Apprenticeship will be delivered at Loughborough College for one day per week - Wednesday (term time only)
Awarding organisation
PEARSON/EAL
Progression opportunities
Level 4, 5 & 6 Apprenticeship standards
Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering
Full-time employment
Additional information
Current Delivery Involves:
- A progress review every 12 weeks with dedicated trainer assessor and line manager / workplace mentor
- Observations and professional discussions with dedicated trainer assessor in the workplace
