Gloucestershire College launches new Machining Technician Apprenticeship

Gloucestershire College has launched a new Machining Technician Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship has been tailored to meet the skills needs of Gloucestershire-based engineering and manufacturing companies of all sizes.

The engineering and manufacturing sector is one of the key drivers of the economy in Gloucestershire.

One of the key strengths of the sector is its diversity; there is a wide range of opportunities for skilled workers, from entry-level positions to senior roles.

The course covers a wide variety of skills designed to appeal to a large range of employers. The compulsory units include:

• Engineering communications
• Engineering mathematics
• Properties and applications of engineering materials
• Health and safety in the engineering workplace
• Advance milling and turning
• Computer numerical control (CNC) programming/machining
• Workplace improvement
In addition, employers can choose two optional units to be delivered, including:
• Advanced manufacturing techniques
• Engineering inspection and quality control
• Mechanical engineering principles
• Engineering drawing

The 42-month program (plus three months for End Point Assessment) is delivered through a combination of on-the-job training, where apprentices work alongside experienced engineers, and 1 or 2 days a week of classroom-based learning during the first two years of study.

Delivery is designed to ensure that apprentices’ learner journeys match knowledge with practical skills, benefiting from GC’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities and equipment and guided by dedicated and experienced trainers.

“Gloucestershire is home to a vibrant and diverse engineering and manufacturing industry known for its innovation, commitment to sustainability, as well as investment in its workforce, and we are proud to be working with many local companies to bridge their skills gaps to help them remain competitive in an increasingly globalised marketplace,” said Gary Ridgeway, Apprenticeship Manager, Engineering at Gloucestershire College.

“There is always a high demand for skilled workers in this sector, and we are committed to helping to ensure that there is a steady supply of skilled talent to support its ongoing growth and success.

"Our new Machining Technician apprenticeship standard combines a comprehensive curriculum and the convenience of delivery for employers.

“We strongly believe that apprentices should be out in the workplace from day one. Apprentices will spend 1 or 2 days in college per week, depending on the year of study, and the rest of the time out in the workplace with their employer, learning how their business works and bringing fresh ideas into their organisation.”

Gloucestershire College continually invests in engineering facilities that have state-of-the-art electrical/electronic laboratories and mechanical workshops including Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) workshops.

No prior knowledge or qualifications are required to be eligible for the apprenticeship, but individuals must have achieved a minimum of grade C or above in GCSE maths and English.

With a clear career progression pathway and the opportunity to develop a range of valuable skills, the Machining Technician Apprenticeship is an excellent investment in the future of both individuals and businesses in the engineering industry.

Employers looking to recruit a Machining Technician Apprentice or upskill existing staff should contact employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk