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L3 Machining Technician

Duration:

Chesterfield – 42 months +3 months EPA

TSE – 36 Months +3 months EPA

Quick find:
Entry requirements
  • GCSE grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification) in Maths
  • GCSE grade 3 or above (or equivalent qualification) in English
  • Individual employers may also set their own entry requirements for the apprenticeship
  • Apprentices would be expected to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in English prior to reaching gateway before their End Point Assessment
Assessment methods
  • End Point Assessment (EPA)
  • Practical demonstration with questions
  • Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
  • Knowledge test
Progression

On a successful completion, apprentices may be able to progress into part/full time employment or go on to further study

  • Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor
  • Level 4 Manufacturing Engineering Technician
  • There is further potential to continue studies within the engineering sector up to degree level.

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 and adjust machine tool settings. When using CNC equipment, they can produce, prove and validate programs. They inspect components and machinery, report issues and support continuous improvement activities. They typically work in a manufacturing environment. Depending on the organisation, they may be required to work at height or work shifts.

Workplace Behaviour Development

  • Prioritise health and safety.
  • Act ethically.
  • Take responsibility for work.
  • Team-focus to meet work goals, for example, work effectively with others, resolves issues in discussion with others.
  • Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.
  • Support an equality, diverse and inclusive culture.

Skills and Knowledge Development

  • Prepare and set up conventional or CNC machines.
  • Apply risk assessment and hazard identification processes and procedures in the work area.
  • Apply engineering, mathematical and scientific principles.
  • Select and setup tooling and work holding devices.
  • Select machining process.
  • Quality assurance: principles, practices and record keeping
  • Engineering machining processes, tools and equipment: Milling; Turning; Grinding; Electro Discharge Machine (EDM); Gear Cutting.
  • Engineering representations, drawings, graphical information and specifications.
  • Engineering mathematical and scientific principles: calculations, conversions.

Off-the-job training

Every apprenticeship includes off-the-job training – equivalent to one day per week. This takes place during time normally spent at work but does not include the usual daily duties and responsibilities carried out as part of their normal role. It can consist of work and tasks ranging from projects, lectures and seminars to day release, blended learning and training to use specialist equipment.

It can form part of regular weekly sessions or be combined for larger blocks of time, depending on the approach that works best for the employer.

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.

Qualifications gained

EAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining

L2 Functional skills in English (If Applicable)

Professional recognition

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)

Career progression routes

Precision Engineer
CNC Machinist (miller turner or grinder)
CNC Machinist Programmer
Machining Technician
Manual Machinist (Miller Turner or Grinder)
Vertical or Horizontal Border

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