Machining Apprentice

Summary

1860 GEL is looking for a motivated Machining Apprentice to join its engineering team in Rochdale. You will learn how to produce precision-engineered components using CNC and conventional machining equipment while working alongside experienced engineers. This is a hands-on opportunity to build a career in engineering while completing a Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship.

Annual wage

£8.00 per hour - current National Minimum Wage apprentice rate (from 1 April 2026).

Training course

Machining Technician Level 3

Hours

Monday to Thursday: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am - 12:30pm

Business hours total 41 hours across the week. Break arrangements and contracted paid hours to be confirmed by the employer.

Duration

Typically 42 months, followed by the end-point assessment period.

Positions available

1

What you’ll do at work

As a Machining Apprentice, you will develop the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to manufacture precision components safely and accurately. Working with experienced engineers, your duties will develop as your competence grows and may include:

• Learning to set up and operate CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Developing skills in CNC milling and CNC turning.
• Learning conventional machining processes including milling, turning, boring and drilling.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Selecting and using appropriate tooling, work-holding methods and machining parameters.
• Measuring and checking components using appropriate inspection equipment to ensure they meet required specifications.
• Supporting the production of one-off and small/medium batch components for customers.
• Carrying out routine machine checks, cleaning and basic maintenance in line with company procedures.
• Following health and safety procedures and maintaining a clean, organised working area.
• Working with colleagues to solve engineering problems and continually improve quality and efficiency.

The role will provide exposure to a professional precision-engineering environment and allow the apprentice to build machining knowledge and confidence over the course of the apprenticeship.

 

Where you’ll work

1860 GEL

Unit 1, Moss Mill Street Industrial Estate, Woodbine Street East, Rochdale, OL16 5LB

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Your training course

Machining Technician Level 3

Your training plan

You will work towards the Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship with Rochdale Training. The apprenticeship combines practical workplace development with structured training to build the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a machining technician. Training will cover areas relevant to the standard and the apprentice's role, with off-the-job training completed during paid working hours.

The apprenticeship standard has a typical on-programme duration of 42 months, followed by end-point assessment. The exact training pattern and qualification route will be confirmed as part of the apprenticeship enrolment and training plan.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

• GCSE Maths & English (Grade 4 and above) essential

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. 

Skills

• Practical aptitude and an interest in how things are made
• Ability to work accurately and methodically
• Confidence using basic maths in a practical setting
• Good organisation and timekeeping
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues

Other requirements

• Reliable and punctual
• Positive attitude to learning
• Motivated and enthusiastic about engineering
• Safety-conscious
• Patient and able to concentrate on detailed work
• Willing to take feedback and develop
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

About this company

1860 GEL Limited is a British engineering company based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The company provides a wide range of engineering and manufacturing services, including CNC machining, conventional machining, Wire EDM, tool design and manufacture, CAD/CAM machining, surface grinding, welding and fabrication, testing and inspection, and service and repair.

1860 GEL has an established focus on quality, creativity and innovation. Its machining capability includes CNC milling, CNC turning and 4th-axis CNC machining, alongside conventional milling, turning, boring and drilling. This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to develop practical machining skills in a working precision-engineering environment.
 

After this apprenticeship

Successful completion of the apprenticeship will provide the apprentice with the skills and experience to pursue a career as a skilled machinist/machining technician. Potential progression may include further responsibility within CNC or precision machining and, with further training and experience, progression into higher-level engineering or manufacturing roles. Any guaranteed permanent position is TO BE CONFIRMED by the employer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Nathan Finn

nfinn@rochdaletraining.co.uk

01706 631 417