Summary
We are currently looking for an enthusiastic person to join our existing highly skilled team of wood machinists. Throughout your course, you will be taught on all aspects of wood machining enabling you to produce high quality components. The long-term aim is to successfully train someone who will become an essential full-time member of the team.
Wage
£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Wood machinist (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday, 8.00am - 3.30pm
39 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
2 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Main duties include but not limited to:
* Learning how to operate and set all aspects of wood machines
* Gain an understanding of what it takes to turn rough-sawn timber into finished furniture components
* Use a range of fixing techniques including joint assembly, installing mechanical fixings and applying appropriate adhesives to form products to the given specification
* Learn how to work as part of a team and on your own, gaining the skills required to become a fully qualified wood machinist
* Set up and operate machinery, tools and equipment used to produce furniture
* Identify issues quickly, solve problems and apply appropriate solutions
Where you'll work
Unit 34
Northfield Way, Aycliffe Business Park
Newton Aycliffe
DL5 6UF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Training course
Wood machinist (level 2)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Read and interpret job specifications, technical drawings or information for wood machining activity.
* Plan wood machining activity including timescales for completion and organise materials and resources.
* Prepare, maintain and restore the work area.
* Apply safe systems of working including risk assessment.
* Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
* Comply with procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
* Follow workplace operating procedures.
* Store tools and equipment.
* Select tools, equipment, and machinery for wood machining activity.
* Apply first line maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery. For example, checking condition, cleaning, lubrication, visual inspection, calibration checks, sharpening and servicing.
* Identify and select materials used in wood machining.
* Measure and mark out materials.
* Prepare, check and use jigs and templates used in the work activity.
* Set up and operate wood machining machinery.
* Apply wood machining processes using conventional or CNC machinery. For example, cutting, shaping, planing, turning, profiling, boring, or edge banding for production of jointed wood and wood-based products.
* Assemble components or sub-assemblies of wood.
* Inspect, strip, and sand material surfaces.
* Apply rectification, repair or rework techniques.
* Follow quality assurance processes.
* Pack, store and handle components and sub-assemblies.
* Record wood machining activity information - paper based or electronic.
* Apply basic continuous improvement techniques. For example, lean manufacturing, six sigma, 5S, and KAIZEN.
* Apply team working principles.
* Apply escalation procedures in relation to faults or issues.
* Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
* Communicate verbally with colleagues and supervisors.
* Communicate in writing with colleagues and supervisors using industry terminology electronically or paper based.
* Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
* Undertake and record learning and development activities.
* Read and interpret job specifications, technical drawings or information for wood machining activity.
* Plan wood machining activity including timescales for completion and organise materials and resources.
* Prepare, maintain and restore the work area.
* Apply safe systems of working including risk assessment.
* Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
* Comply with procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
* Follow workplace operating procedures.
* Store tools and equipment.
* Select tools, equipment, and machinery for wood machining activity.
* Apply first line maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery. For example, checking condition, cleaning, lubrication, visual inspection, calibration checks, sharpening and servicing.
* Identify and select materials used in wood machining.
* Measure and mark out materials.
* Prepare, check and use jigs and templates used in the work activity.
* Set up and operate wood machining machinery.
* Apply wood machining processes using conventional or CNC machinery. For example, cutting, shaping, planing, turning, profiling, boring, or edge banding for production of jointed wood and wood-based products.
* Assemble components or sub-assemblies of wood.
* Inspect, strip, and sand material surfaces.
* Apply rectification, repair or rework techniques.
* Follow quality assurance processes.
* Pack, store and handle components and sub-assemblies.
* Record wood machining activity information - paper based or electronic.
* Apply basic continuous improvement techniques. For example, lean manufacturing, six sigma, 5S, and KAIZEN.
* Apply team working principles.
* Apply escalation procedures in relation to faults or issues.
* Follow equity, diversity and inclusion rules.
* Communicate verbally with colleagues and supervisors.
* Communicate in writing with colleagues and supervisors using industry terminology electronically or paper based.
* Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
* Undertake and record learning and development activities.
Training schedule
* You will be completing the Level 2 Wood Machinist Apprenticeship Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills, Darlington
* This Apprenticeship is designed to equip participants with the fundamentals required to start a successful career. The programme can be delivered using a blend of on-line, anytime learning and expert-led classroom training covering core topics
* Throughout this Apprenticeship, participants will be supported by tutors who have worked in this environment and have gained many years of experience and who can truly support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide range of manufacturing roles
More training information
Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:
Level 2 Wood Machinist Apprenticeship Standard
Training will take place weekly, primarily remotely, but may require visits the Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills training centre (DL1 4QZ). During the course you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure these exceed the minimum requirements for the Wood Machinist Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 apprenticeship standard.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4+/ C+)
* maths (grade 4+/ C+)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
Other requirements
You may be required to attend our training centre in Darlington (DL1 4QZ) and you will need to make your own way there for training. Travel to and from the employer, based at Unit 34 Northfield Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6UF