Apprentice – CNC Machinist

Vision Engineering Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship for individuals eager to learn and develop in a modern Machine Shop environment. This full-time apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with technical skills training at a local college, providing a structured path to mastering CNC programming and manual machining. Candidates will gain hands-on experience while working within a dynamic team, ensuring production targets are met. With a commitment to staff development and a range of attractive benefits, this opportunity is perfect for those looking to kickstart their engineering career.

Benefits

24 days holiday per annum

Private medical insurance

Sickness absence pay

Cycle to Work scheme

Free on-site parking

Free gym membership

Yoga sessions

Boxercise sessions

Multi-cultural feast day celebrations

Qualifications

• Commitment to long-term learning and self-development.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and operate CNC machines.

Responsibilities

• Set, operate, and program manual and CNC machines in a busy environment.
• Inspect machined parts to maintain ISO quality standards.

Skills

CNC programming

Manual machining

Engineering drawing interpretation

Teamwork

Education

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths

GCSE Grade C/4 in English

A/S Levels or A Levels

Tools

CNC lathes

Milling machines

Inspection gauges

CMM equipment

Job description

About the Role: An Engineering Technician - Level 3 Apprenticeship is being offered for an individual who is looking to learn and work within a modern Machine Shop, at our manufacturing facility in Send, Surrey. The apprenticeship will involve on-the-job training plus two days release at Farnborough College for technical skills training. This will provide the structure for learning to work within a busy engineering environment and more specifically to set, operate and programme a range of manual and CNC machines. Individuals must be committed to working and learning in a structured environment, whilst being responsible and self-motivated to complete the portfolio of evidence and Technical Certificate college programme as required. The position reports to the Group Machine Shop Manager and will commence in September 2025, in line with the Farnborough College commencement dates.

What you will be learning:

• To work effectively within section teams within a busy Machine Shop whilst maintaining set production targets and timescales;
• To understand and interpret engineering drawings or route cards, programme, set and operate a range of 2, 3 & 4 axis vertical and horizontal CNC lathes, milling machines, machining centres and manual, using a range of materials including brass, stainless steel, aluminium (metal and plastic);
• To inspect own machined parts using manual inspection gauges and instruments, plus CMM equipment to ensure maintenance of ISO standard quality and tolerances;

What we are looking for:

• GCSE Grade C/4 and above in Maths and English (or equivalent)
• Other relevant qualifications may be an advantage, e.g. A/S Levels, A Level;
• Evidence of practical skills/abilities;
• Evidence/experience of working in a team;
• Based in our modern Global HQ in Send, Surrey, candidates must live within a manageable daily commute.

What we require from you:

• To be 18 years old or older as of 1 September 2025, is desirable;
• A genuine interest in the machinist route, along with a willingness to learn, ask questions and collaborate;
• Able to travel to Farnborough College of Technology (GU14 6SB) and Vision Engineering (GU23 7ER) Mondays to Fridays 8am to 4.30pm in line with Farnborough College release days and Vision Engineering working days;
• To be dedicated to long term learning, displaying commitment and enthusiasm, maintaining flexibility and a positive outlook at all times;
• To achieve deadlines and standards set by the Company and Farnborough College through regular attendance and assessment, taking responsibility for own self-development and setting goals in order to obtain the Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship and related Health and Safety qualifications;
• To comply at all times with Company Health and Safety Policies and legislation.

What you will be getting: This is a full-time apprenticeship, 40 hour per week working: Monday to Friday 07.30am to 4.30pm with half an hour lunch (this will include college day release attendance (two days per week) during the academic year), with flexibility on the start and finish times, in line with the Company’s core working hours.

• Additional production bonus (variable but approx. 3 - 4% basic salary payable monthly in arrears), linked to the value of goods invoiced from the UK factory base;
• 24 days holiday per annum (plus additional Bank Holidays);
• Benefits available on successful completion of a 6 month probationary period:
  • BUPA, private medical insurance with minimal, monthly contributions;
  • Simply Health Optimise Plus Plan, non-contributory cash back plan for claiming monies back for treatments;
  • Group Life insurance (Death in Service scheme) equivalent to 2 years’ basic salary to next of kin;
  • Sickness absence pay;
  • Cycle to Work scheme;
• Multi-cultural feast day celebrations;
• Excellent staff facilities:
  • Free on-site parking;
  • Free membership of an on-site gym;
  • Free weekly on site yoga sessions with a celebrated, local yogini;
  • Free weekly on site boxercise sessions with an experienced martial artist & instructor.

Staff Development is key to our continued success and, as a result, we have a well-funded staff development budget, and dedicated Staff Development team. The Staff Development programme operates throughout the entire Company, and allows for professional, personal and tailored development and training to suit the individual needs and requirements of each staff member.