MACHINING TECHNICIAN – APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD (ROLLS-ROYCE) (ST1305)

The Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship develops apprentices to become skilled engineers capable of producing high‑precision components used across advanced manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, automotive and defence.

Apprentices are trained to set up, operate and adjust both conventional and CNC machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, grinding machines and multi‑axis CNC equipment. They also learn to interpret engineering drawings, create and prove CNC programmes, and inspect components to ensure they meet strict quality standards.

Throughout the programme (typically 42 months), apprentices gain a balance of practical workplace experience and technical knowledge, developing competence in safe working practices, problem solving and continuous improvement.

On completion, apprentices are able to work independently and as part of a team, taking responsibility for the accuracy, quality and efficiency of machining activities. This makes them well suited to roles such as CNC machinist, manual machinist or precision engineer within a manufacturing environment.

GCSEs in Maths and English grades 4-9 (C or above) or Level 2 Maths and English Functional Skills

Apprentices will be required to attend all off-the-job training during term-time to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard and complete their mandatory qualification. Employers will actively be involved in the 12-week review process and will support target setting to develop the apprentices. Employers will provide support in preparing the apprentice for their End Point Assessment (EPA) and confirm the apprentice’s readiness for the gateway.

The apprentice will be expected to demonstrate the following behaviours:

B1: Prioritise health and safety.

B2: Act ethically.

B3: Take responsibility for work.

B4: Team-focus to meet work goals, for example, work effectively with others, resolve issues in discussion with others.

B5: Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.

B6: Support an equality, diverse and inclusive culture.

Alongside the achievement of their Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship, apprentices will also gain the following qualification:

EAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge) [610/0793/6]

The apprentice will be assessed using a range of methods designed to reflect real working practices within a machining/manufacturing environment. These include:

• Practical workplace observations of machining activities
• Completion of job write-ups and work records
• Question and answer sessions to test understanding
• Witness testimonies provided by the employer
• Written exams completed under controlled conditions

Throughout the programme, the apprentice will build a portfolio of work-based evidence, demonstrating their competence in areas such as interpreting technical drawings, setting up machines and workholding devices, and producing components using conventional and/or CNC machines. This portfolio will be used as part of the End Point Assessment (EPA).

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The EPA takes place at the end of the apprenticeship, once you and the apprentice agree they are ready (this is called the gateway). It assesses whether the apprentice can perform the role of a machining technician independently and competently.

The EPA consists of three parts:

• Practical demonstration with questions – the apprentice will complete a machining task while being observed and questioned
• Interview (with portfolio) – the apprentice will discuss their experience using evidence collected during their apprenticeship
• Knowledge test – a written or online test covering technical knowledge

The EPA is graded at fail, pass or distinction.

Apprentices will attend College full-time for the first year of the programme, learning foundational Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) to prepare them for the workplace. They will then attend on a day-release basis in years 2 and 3 to complete their Level 3 Knowledge qualification.

Apprentices will be required to come equipped with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): safety boots, safety glasses and company workwear/overalls. Additionally, apprentices are expected to bring note-taking equipment, such as a pen, paper and/or a laptop.

This apprenticeship standard, along with suitable experience, supports progression into the following job roles:

• Senior / Lead Machinist
• Manufacturing / Production Technician
• CNC Programmer (higher responsibility)

Further education and development opportunities include:

• Engineering Manufacturing Technician (Level 4 Apprenticeship)

The Machining Technician apprenticeship can prepare apprentices for a wide range of job roles, such as:

CNC-focused roles

• CNC Machinist
• CNC Machinist (miller / turner / grinder)
• CNC Machinist Programmer
• CNC Centre Lathe Turner
• CNC Gear Cutter / Grinder
• CNC Horizontal Borer
• CNC Vertical Borer
• CNC EDM Machinist Technician

Manual / conventional machining roles

• Manual Machinist (miller / turner / grinder)
• Centre Lathe Turner
• Conventional Vertical Borer
• Horizontal Borer
• Gear Cutter / Gear Grinder

Specialist / broader engineering roles

• Precision Engineer
• EDM Machinist Technician

General Machinist / Machining Technician

You may already have someone in your organisation or someone who has come to you directly asking for an apprenticeship. But, if you don’t, we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and can provide external advertising through social media and the National Apprenticeship Service’s website.

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421