Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

This course is ideal for individuals seeking to develop skills in the Advanced Engineering sector, particularly in machining. It is designed for those interested in producing complex, precision-engineered components for industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction. The course will benefit aspiring machining technicians who want to master the use of CNC machines and other advanced tools, interpret technical information, and ensure the quality and accuracy of machined products while adhering to safety standards.

Completing this course you will learn the following:

-Awareness of health and safety regulations

-Planning techniques, time management, workflow, work scheduling, work plans, documents and work categorisation systems.

-Quality assurance: principles, practices and record keeping.

-Machining operations and techniques to produce complex components.

-Technological development and innovation in the machining sector; Industry 4.0; digitalisation.

-Equality, diversity and inclusion requirements in the workplace

-Tooling and work-holding devices: purpose and operation of devices for carrying out complex machining tasks.

-Engineering materials and their structure, properties and characteristics; impact on use, how and why engineering materials can fail.

-Engineering representations, drawings, graphical information and specifications.

Individual employers will set the recruitment and selection criteria for their Apprenticeships. In order to optimise success, candidates will typically have 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or Grade C or equivalent, including mathematics, English and a Science. Apprentices without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 prior to taking their apprenticeship end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or legacy statement, the English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

The typical length of the on-programme (training) part of this apprenticeship is 42 months. The end-point assessment period will typically last 3 months. The grades available for this apprenticeship are: Practical demonstration with questions fail pass Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence fail pass distinction Knowledge test fail pass distinction At the end of the apprenticeship, and having passed the EPA, you will be awarded with your apprenticeship certificate.

Students may pursue roles as Machining Technicians, CNC Machinists, or Precision Engineers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, maritime defence, and nuclear. With experience, they can progress to senior technician, team leader, or engineering manager roles. Further study opportunities include higher-level apprenticeships, HNCs, or degrees in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering. Specialized training in areas like robotics, automation, or advanced CNC programming can also enhance career prospects in cutting-edge manufacturing sectors.

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery. Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs. If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.