Apprentice Machining Technician

John King Chains Ltd.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the United Kingdom is looking for an Apprentice Machining Technician. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in precision machining operations, operating both conventional and CNC machine tools. You will also be trained towards a Level 3 qualification while contributing to high-quality production. This position comes with a structured apprenticeship program that supports career development within engineering and manufacturing disciplines.

Benefits

Full apprenticeship programme with structured training

Mentored, hands-on experience

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• A genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing or machining.
• Typically, GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science at Grade 4 (C) or above, or working toward this.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up and operating machine tools to produce precision machined parts.
• Inspect machined components using appropriate gauges and measuring equipment.
• Follow safe working practices and comply with company health & safety standards.

Skills

Practical ability to set up and operate conventional and CNC machine tools

Measuring and inspection skills using precision instruments

Basic CNC programming and machine optimisation

Effective communication

Education

GCSEs in English, Mathematics and Science at Grade 4 (C) or above

Job description

John King Chains Limited
Lancaster Close, Sherburn-in-Elmet, LS25 6NS, United Kingdom

Full-Time Apprenticeship (Typically 42 months + EPA)

Stationary work

Date Updated:
January 2026

Role Summary

You will join our engineering and manufacturing team as an Apprentice Machining Technician, gaining hands-on experience in precision machining operations. You will learn to set up, operate and adjust machine tools, produce high-quality machined components, interpret engineering information and support continuous improvement activities. This role combines on-the-job learning with structured apprenticeship training toward a recognised Level 3 qualification.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operations and Production

• Assist in setting up and operating conventional and CNC machine tools (e.g., lathes, milling, grinding) to produce precision machined parts in line with production requirements.
• Monitor machine performance and component quality; make adjustments to feeds, speeds or tooling to maintain accuracy and efficiency.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions and technical documentation to plan and execute machining tasks.
• Produce, validate and assist with editing CNC programmes where required.

Inspection and Quality

• Inspect machined components using appropriate gauges and measuring equipment to ensure conformity with tolerances and specifications.
• Report and document discrepancies, defects or deviations and assist with corrective action.
• Support continuous improvement and quality improvement initiatives within the department.

Health & Safety

• Follow safe working practices, risk assessments and machine tool safety protocols.
• Maintain a clean and organised work area, including correct housekeeping of machines, tools and equipment.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately and comply with company health & safety standards.
• Attend and engage in off-the-job training provided by the apprenticeship training provider.
• Build competence in the apprenticeship standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) through guided practice and formal learning.
• Prepare for and complete assessments, including practical demonstrations, technical interview and knowledge test at end-point assessment (EPA).

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours.

Knowledge

• Principles of machining processes, tooling and machine tool technology.
• Interpretation of engineering drawings and manufacturing paperwork.
• Health, safety and environmental requirements in a machining environment.

Skills

• Practical ability to set up and operate conventional and CNC machine tools.
• Measuring and inspection skills using precision instruments.
• Basic CNC programming and machine optimisation.
• Effective communication with colleagues, supervisors and training staff.

Behaviours

• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Strong team working and willingness to learn.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Entry Criteria

• A genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing or machining.
• Typically, GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science at Grade 4 (C) or above, or working toward this.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

What We Offer

• Full apprenticeship programme with structured training and development.
• Mentored, hands-on experience in an established manufacturing environment.
• Career progression opportunities within engineering and manufacturing disciplines.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to reasonable changes in line with business needs. It does not form part of your contract of employment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence in accordance with GDPR and UK employment law.

I agree to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Law on the protection of personal data in connection with the implementation of the application. Providing the data is voluntary, but necessary to process the query. I have been informed that I have the right to access my data, the possibility of correcting it, requesting discontinuation of its processing. The personal data administrator is John King Chains Limited, New Climax Works, Lancaster Close, Sherburn-in-Elmet LS25 6NS UK.