To be an apprentice you need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and attend college one day a week. With this apprenticeship, you will also complete a block placement with college at the start of your apprenticeship. Machinists in the advanced manufacturing engineering sector are predominantly involved in highly skilled, complex and precision work.
As an apprentice, you will be taught to understand mathematical techniques, formula and calculations in a toolmaking environment. You will learn the structure, properties and characteristics of common materials used for the manufacture and repair of tooling, moulds, dies and jigs and fixtures, as well as how to set up and operate machinery and equipment effectively. You will learn how the relevant tools, dies, jigs and fixtures being manufactured/maintained function.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will
carry out complex fault diagnosis and repair activities applicable to the tool, die, jig and fixture environment. This will include maintaining mechanical equipment, fluid and pneumatic power equipment, electrical and electronic equipment and process control equipment. You will also undertake testing to confirm correct operation, and of the effectiveness of repairs and maintenance activities carried out.
Technicians must comply with applicable legislation and organisational safety requirements and be expected to work both individually and as part of a manufacturing team, working with minimum supervision and taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake. You will also learn to read and interpret relevant data and documentation used to produce and/or maintain tool and die components, assemblies and systems.
