Machining Technician – Apprenticeship

As an Engineering Technician Machinist Apprentice, you’ll be working with existing machinists as they carry out highly skilled and complex precision work, including the setting-up, operating, and adjusting of equipment settings.

You’ll gain valuable experience in machining components from specialist materials; using conventional and CNC machine tools such as centre lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, horizontal and cylindrical grinding machines, electro-discharge machines, and single and multi-axis CNC machine tools.

Years One and Two:
You’ll spend three days a week developing your knowledge and practical skills in areas such as milling, turning, bench fitting, business improvement, maths and science, working in an engineering environment, and undertaking engineering techniques.
– Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)
– Level 2 Award for Foundation Phase Gateway Assessment

Years Three and Four:
– Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) – Machinist
– Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering – (Development Knowledge)

During this apprenticeship, you will be required to learn the following knowledge, skills and behaviours:

CORE KNOWLEDGE:
– Understand the importance of complying with statutory, quality, organisational and health and safety regulations
– Understand general engineering/manufacturing mathematical and scientific principles, methods, techniques, graphical expressions, symbols formulae and calculations used by engineering technicians
– Understand the structure, properties and characteristics of common materials used in the sector
– Understand the typical problems that may arise within normal work activities/environment
– Understand approved diagnostic methods and techniques used to help solve engineering/manufacturing problems
– Understand the importance of only using current approved processes, procedures, documentation and the potential implications for the organisation if this is not adhered to
– Understand and interpreting relevant engineering/manufacturing data and documentation
– Understand the different roles and functions in the organisation
– Understand why it is important for an organisation to continually review processes and procedures

CORE SKILLS:
– Obtain, check and use appropriate documentation
– Work safely at all times, complying with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements
– Plan and obtain all resources required to undertake the work activity
– Undertake work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment
– Carry out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment
– Deal promptly and effectively with engineering/manufacturing problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques
– Complete any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity
– Restore the work area on completion of the activity

CORE BEHAVIOURS:
– Personal responsibility, resilience and ethics. Comply with health and safety guidance and procedures, be disciplined and have a responsible approach to risk, work diligently at all times, accept responsibility for managing time and workload and stay motivated and committed when facing challenges. Comply with any organisational policies/codes of conduct in relation to ethical compliance
– Work effectively in teams. Integrate with the team, support other people, consider implications of their actions on other people and the business
– Effective communication and interpersonal skills. open and honest communicator, communicating clearly using appropriate methods, listening to others and have a positive and respectful attitude
– Focus on quality and problem-solving. Follow instructions and guidance, demonstrates attention to detail, follow a logical approach to problem-solving and seek opportunities to improve quality, speed and efficiency
– Continuous personal development. Reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seeks opportunities to develop, adapt to different situations, environments or technologies and have a positive attitude to feedback and advice

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
– Understand mathematical techniques, formula and calculation involved in the machining processes such as speeds and feeds, calculating angles/tapers, material removal
– Understand the practical and theoretical uses of the machines used, and their applications
– Understand the work-holding devices, cutting tools, and setting up procedures, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring the work output is to the required specification

SPECIALIST SKILLS:
– Read and interpret relevant data and documentation used to produce machined components
– Determine the most efficient and effective approach to machine the component using a range of tools, machining process and Techniques
– Select and set up the correct tooling and work holding devices
– Set and adjust the machine operating parameters to produce the work pieces to the required specification. This will involve setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations
– Select and use a range of measuring and testing equipment to check components are to the required quality and accuracy
– Produce complex and specialist components as a one off test and trial work piece and/or producing components in small or large batches
– Contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedures