Machining Technician Apprenticeship

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LOCATION & START DATE
The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre - as required
LEVEL
Level 3 Levels Explained
DURATION
4 years
LEARNING AREA
Engineering Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Work-based

Course information

Machining technicians produce complex and precision machined products that are typically used in machinery. They can also produce bespoke components or products for domestic appliances or medical equipment. They use a variety of machines to carry out their work. For example, centre lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, horizontal and cylindrical grinding machines. Electro discharge machines, single and multi-axis Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine tools centres. Gear cutting and Gear Grinding machines.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to produce complex and precision work by machining components. Components are machined from metal or specialist materials using conventional or CNC machine tools. Machining Technicians interpret information and plan their activities. They also set up, operate, adjust or edit machine tool settings. When using CNC equipment, they can produce, prove or edit programmes. They inspect components and machinery, report issues and support continuous improvement activities.

Engineering Machining Technicians are predominantly involved in highly skilled, complex work and must, as a minimum be able to:

• 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, downloading and editing programmes 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 & assemblies

A minimum level 2 (GCSE level 4 or equivalent) in mathematics and English required.

A minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 4 (including maths & English) required.

A variety of assessment methods are used Including observation of practical practise, short and long answer questions and the creation of significant technical reports

• Employment • Level 4 Apprenticeship

The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre

The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre

Cornwall College’s specialist Engineering Skills Centre in the heart of industry in Plymouth.


The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre was opened in 2014 as a solution to our growing number of learners in and around Plymouth. It now acts as a training hub for apprentices from multiple local and international manufacturing companies, as well as providing daytime and evening courses for school pupils, adults and businesses.


The Centre is fully fitted out for manufacturing, electrical and maintenance training as well as TIG, MIG and arc welding, CAD/CAM and PAT testing.


Find out more about our Plymouth campus


Events

Bicton College logoOpen Event at Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

16-19 Adult Apprenticeship University
  • Dates
    18th January 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
    26th April 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Discover our courses, apprenticeships, tour our campuses and meet our amazing team at one of our Open Days!  View Event
Cornwall College logoOpen Event at The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre, Sisna Park

Open Event at The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre, Sisna Park

16-19 Adult Apprenticeship
  • Dates
    23rd January 2025, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
    22nd March 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Discover the courses and apprenticeships available at our Engineering Centre in Plymouth View Event

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Course type Apprenticeship
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Course Code 12572-PSC-00

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

Machining Technician Apprenticeship Level 3 The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Machining-Technician-apprenticeship.jpg Engineering, Technician, Machining, CNC, Milling, Turning
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