Machining Technician

Overview of the role

This occupation is found in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) sector. AME includes Aerospace, Automotive, Maritime Defence, Nuclear and Construction sectors. 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.

Details of the Standard

The apprenticeship is broken up into distinct phases:

• The sign-up, which includes an assessment of maths and English, and an agreement between us, the apprentice and the employer, regarding the training plan.
• The practical period, which is the bulk of the apprenticeship. This is where the apprentice completes their required off-job-training according to the agreed training plan.
• The gateway. At the end of the practical period, the employer, training provider and apprentice meet to discuss the next, and final stage, the End Point Assessment (EPA). At the Gateway meeting, we ensure that the apprentice is ready to undertake the EPA.
• The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the last stage of the apprenticeship. The apprentice will undertake a series of independent assessments, which may include multiple choice questions, a professional discussion and/or a practical test. Successfully completing this step results in achieving the apprenticeship!

Duration

A full-time apprentice typically spends 42 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a machining technician.

All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are largely dependent on the vacancy notice set out by the employer - please read the job advert that relates to the role you are considering.

English and maths

A minimum of four GCSE’s, grade 4 in Maths, English and a Science with an additional subject.

Curriculum, delivery and readiness for End-Point-Assessment

The content delivery will be agreed between the apprentice, employer and training provider and is based upon prior knowledge and qualifications. This agreement forms the individualised Training Plan, detailing how the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship Standard will be met.

Summary End-Point-Assessment

• An Occupational Competence Validation Interview (Viva) drawing from a portfolio of evidence of occupational competence (typically three Job Packs).
• Professional competence assessment undertaken by independent assessor(s) from the relevant Professional Engineering Institutions [using the Performance Indicators Recording Form (PIRF)]
• Final employer endorsement of occupational and professional competence and overall completion of the apprenticeship

Progression

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
• Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)