Summary
Valen Fittings are offering an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Machining Apprentice to join their team to learn how to operate various machinery, including lathes, millers, laser cutters and CNC-programmed machines.
Wage
£17,785 a year
Apprentice will work a 4 day week. You will be paid time and half for overtime, and double time if required to work on a Sunday.
Training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Hours
Tuesday to Thursday, 6.30am to 5.30pm and 6.30am to 2.30pm on Fridays.
39 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
4 years
Positions available
2
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
Day-to-day tasks will include:
* The apprentice will learn how to operate, CNC, lathes, millers and laser cutters
* Set, operate, programme all machines
* Problem solve any issues with all machinery
* Conform to the companies Quality and HSE procedures
* Problem solve and rectify faults
Where you’ll work
VALEN HOUSE
WESTGATE
ALDRIDGE
WALSALL
WS9 8DG
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
IN-COMM TRAINING AND BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED
Your training course
Machining technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
* Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.
* Comply with environmental, ethical and sustainability regulations and procedures: safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials and efficient use of resources.
* Prepare and set up conventional or CNC machines.
* Operate and adjust conventional or CNC machines.
* Apply risk assessment and hazard identification processes and procedures in the work area.
* Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies, and complete stock returns.
* Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
* Read and interpret information. For example, data and documentation used to produce machined components.
* Apply engineering, mathematical and scientific principles.
* Plan and organise own work and resources.
* Follow and apply inspection, quality assurance procedures and processes.
* Select machining process.
* Select and setup tooling and work holding devices.
* Set and adjust machine operating parameters. For example, setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations, loading, proving and validating programs when using a CNC machine tool.
* Apply machining operations and techniques to produce complex components with features. For example, parallel; stepped; angular diameters and faces; grooves; slots; recesses and undercuts; radii and chamfers; internal and external forms and profiles; reamed; bored; drilled and electro eroded holes; internal and external screw threads.
* Measure and check components.
* Select and check condition of tools and equipment. Identify issues, resolve and take action as needed.
* Identify and action issues in the manufacturing process.
* Apply fault-finding and diagnostic testing procedures to identify faults. Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
* Maintain the work area and return any resources and consumables.
* Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
* Follow machine shut down, safe isolation, handover, start up or warm up procedures. Escalate issues.
* Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
* Apply ethical principles.
* Apply team working principles.
* Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.
* Comply with environmental, ethical and sustainability regulations and procedures: safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials and efficient use of resources.
* Prepare and set up conventional or CNC machines.
* Operate and adjust conventional or CNC machines.
* Apply risk assessment and hazard identification processes and procedures in the work area.
* Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies, and complete stock returns.
* Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
* Read and interpret information. For example, data and documentation used to produce machined components.
* Apply engineering, mathematical and scientific principles.
* Plan and organise own work and resources.
* Follow and apply inspection, quality assurance procedures and processes.
* Select machining process.
* Select and setup tooling and work holding devices.
* Set and adjust machine operating parameters. For example, setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations, loading, proving and validating programs when using a CNC machine tool.
* Apply machining operations and techniques to produce complex components with features. For example, parallel; stepped; angular diameters and faces; grooves; slots; recesses and undercuts; radii and chamfers; internal and external forms and profiles; reamed; bored; drilled and electro eroded holes; internal and external screw threads.
* Measure and check components.
* Select and check condition of tools and equipment. Identify issues, resolve and take action as needed.
* Identify and action issues in the manufacturing process.
* Apply fault-finding and diagnostic testing procedures to identify faults. Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
* Maintain the work area and return any resources and consumables.
* Communicate with others verbally. For example, colleagues and stakeholders.
* Follow machine shut down, safe isolation, handover, start up or warm up procedures. Escalate issues.
* Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
* Apply ethical principles.
* Apply team working principles.
Your training plan
* This is a level 3 Machinist apprenticeship which will delivered over a 4-year period
* The apprentice will be required to attend the training centre, In-Comm Training Services in Aldridge, WS9 8UG, 2.5 days per week for the first two years as part of the training
* Level 3 Extended diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge)
* Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Machining) (Development Technical Knowledge)
* Please ensure you are able to travel to this address as well as to the company address
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English and maths (grade 9-4)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Physical fitness
* Interest in engineering
* Good time management
Other requirements
Due to working hours candidates must be over the age of 18 Will be Pension Scheme. Sickness insurance scheme and company bonus scheme. Apprentice must have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.