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High demand, limited places - Apply now for September 2025!

With record-breaking applications, many courses for September 2024 were already full by spring time. With an increasing number of school leavers in our local area, the same high demand is expected for September 2025. So apply early to secure your place and avoid disappointment!

Book onto an upcoming open event to discover more.

Machining Technician - Advanced Apprenticeship - Level 3

Overview

Important information

The following information is simply detailing the apprenticeship training course and is not a live vacancy to apply for. Please click the link below to view our current apprenticeship vacancies.

View current vacancies

Machining technicians produce complex and precision machined products that are typically used in machinery. For example, aeroplanes and vehicles. 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. They typically work in a manufacturing environment. Depending on the organisation, they may be required to work at height or work shifts.


Start dates and fees

This apprenticeship can begin at any time of the year. This might be in line with your start date of employment or perhaps a review with your employer where your development is discussed.

During your apprenticeship, your employer is obliged to pay you a wage. Accurate information about minimum rates of pay can be found by visiting https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

It is worth noting that many employers pay above minimum rates. Apprentices might be paid the minimum wage for apprentices if they are either:

  • Aged under 19
  • Aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

For more information about apprenticeships including our current vacancies, please visit our apprenticeship page.


Entry requirements

Each apprenticeship programme will have its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will always be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme.

You will need to be aged 16 years and over to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme. As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevent role and have a contract of employment to cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme. Here at West Nottinghamshire College we have a recruitment team that can help you to find the right opportunity. Call the main college number and ask for the apprenticeship team to find out how we could help you.

As an applicant, you will undertake assessment in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels which will aid the creation of an individual learning plan towards achieving maths and English at level 2 if not already achieved.

If you have passed maths and English GCSE or equivalent you will be required to evidence this with certificates which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill qualification within the apprenticeship framework. Please note that as an apprentice you are required to demonstrate ongoing improvement in both maths and English even if you are exempt from the tested element.


Study programmes - essential skills for employment

If you're a student between the ages of 16 and 18 (or 19 to 25 with an EHC Plan) we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.

Students who haven't achieved a grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English to continue studying these subjects while you're here with us. By doing so, you'll be building a strong foundation of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.

Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.

In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.


How long is the course?

42 months plus EPA


How will I be assessed?

Blended delivery method including day release at college, work based assessment and online learning including Reflective accounts, witness statements, activity based work books, presentations, professional interview/discussion and work based projects.


Career opportunities

There isn't currently career information listed for this course.

Next steps

For more information on how to become an apprentice call our enquiries line free on

0808 100 3626

Attend an open event

View our upcoming events

Call our general enquiries team

0808 100 3626
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Why choose West Notts?

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Courses created in partnership with local employers to meet their specific workforce needs.

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Excellent student support services from careers and financial advice to health and wellbeing.

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We offer a flexible and cost-effective travel pass to all students and apprentices.

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We have nine campuses each boasting a number of state-of-the-art facilities.

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We offer a wide-range of FREE* adult courses.*subject to eligibility.

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