CNC Trainer

Electus Recruitment Solutions; Chestfield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Electus Recruitment Solutions is seeking an experienced CNC Trainer in North Kent to develop the next generation of skilled CNC operators. This hands-on role requires practical training across CNC turning, setting, and programming principles, with emphasis on Nakamura and Citizen machines.

You will collaborate with production supervisors to identify skill gaps, assess competency and ensure teams operate safely, efficiently and to quality standards through thorough training plans and ongoing

Qualifications

• Proven experience setting and operating CNC lathes in a precision environment.
• Strong knowledge of Nakamura and Citizen CNC machines.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Good understanding of machining processes, tooling and cutting parameters.
• Experience using measuring and inspection equipment.
• Knowledge of quality standards, traceability and manufacturing best practice.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coach and motivate others.
• Interest in developing people and sharing technical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Deliver practical CNC training to apprentices, new starters and existing employees.
• Provide hands-on instruction in setting and operating CNC lathes, particularly Nakamura and Citizen machines.
• Assess competency through observation and practical assessments.
• Develop training plans, maintain training records and manage competency matrices.
• Support apprentices throughout their development and provide regular feedback.
• Train operators in machining processes, tooling, cutting parameters and machine optimisation.
• Develop understanding of inspection equipment, quality standards and traceability requirements.
• Identify training needs and work with production management to address skills gaps.
• Support improvements in set-up times, cycle times, tooling performance and tool life.
• Assist with training materials, procedures and standard operating instructions.
• Promote safe working practices and ensure trainees understand relevant health, safety and environmental requirements.

Skills

CNC training

Mentoring

Training planning

Competency assessment

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

BTEC/HNC/HND beneficial

Tools

Nakamura machines

Citizen machines

Inspection equipment

Measuring tools

Job description

CNC Trainer

Location: North Kent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

A growing precision engineering business in North Kent is looking for an experienced CNC Trainer to join its machine shop and play a key role in developing the next generation of skilled CNC operators. This is a hands-on position for an experienced CNC Setter Operator who enjoys sharing their knowledge and helping others develop. You will provide practical training across CNC turning, machine setting, programming principles, inspection and quality standards, with particular emphasis on Nakamura and Citizen CNC machines. You will work closely with production supervisors and managers to identify skills gaps, assess competency and ensure employees have the technical skills and knowledge required to operate safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

What You'll Be Doing

• Deliver practical CNC training to apprentices, new starters and existing employees
• Provide hands-on instruction in setting and operating CNC lathes, particularly Nakamura and Citizen machines
• Assess competency through observation and practical assessments
• Develop training plans, maintain training records and manage competency matrices
• Support apprentices throughout their development and provide regular feedback
• Train operators in machining processes, tooling, cutting parameters and machine optimisation
• Develop understanding of inspection equipment, quality standards and traceability requirements
• Identify training needs and work with production management to address skills gaps
• Support improvements in set-up times, cycle times, tooling performance and tool life
• Assist with training materials, procedures and standard operating instructions
• Promote safe working practices and ensure trainees understand relevant health, safety and environmental requirements

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience setting and operating CNC lathes within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of Nakamura and Citizen CNC machines
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications
• Good understanding of machining processes, tooling and cutting parameters
• Experience using measuring and inspection equipment
• Knowledge of quality standards, traceability and manufacturing best practice
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coach, mentor and motivate others
• A genuine interest in developing people and sharing technical knowledge

An engineering qualification such as NVQ Level 3, BTEC, HNC or HND would be beneficial, as would a recognised training, coaching or assessor qualification. Experience of working with apprentices and knowledge of competency-based assessment would also be advantageous.

Why Consider It?

This is an opportunity to move into a role where your CNC experience can have a direct impact on developing skilled engineers within a precision manufacturing environment.

You will remain close to the technical side of CNC machining while taking responsibility for helping apprentices, new starters and experienced employees build their capabilities and confidence.

This is a permanent role.