At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on CNC machining and design experience.
- Company: Join a family-run business at the forefront of innovative pump design.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with potential earnings up to £30k after qualification.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for permanent employment and further education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse industries like motorsport and aerospace.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; Level 2 Engineering Qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you ready to kickstart your career in engineering and manufacturing? We’re offering an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and inquisitive individual with an interest in mechanical design and a pro-active, practical approach to work, to join our family-run business as a Machining Technician Apprentice. This apprenticeship offers real responsibility from day one, hands-on experience in precision machining, and development in design and software within modern manufacturing techniques. You’ll be supported and mentored by experienced professionals in a friendly, collaborative environment where your ideas matter. This role is based in Leyland with college-based learning in Blackburn.
The Apprentice will follow the Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard, combining on-job practical learning with classroom/workshop-based learning at Blackburn College. You will be employed by Cogent Skills Services Ltd and will undertake on-job learning with Gerotor Design Studio Limited.
Responsibilities- In years 1 and 2: Setting up CNC machines to run pre-programmed production components
- Operation of CNC machines for manufacturing production components
- Performing daily maintenance tasks on CNC machines
- Component inspection & checking for conformance
- Creating inspection reports
- Creating fixturing and developing machining strategies (with help) for new components
- Trialling machining strategies prior to production implementation
- Assisting in the design of gerotor profiles and pumps
- Use of CAD / CAM software for design and manufacture of components
- Creating schedules and plans for manufacturing operations to meet customer requirements
- Determining the need for further equipment / resources as the business expands
- Developing own brand of pumps / solutions for various industries
- Duties / tasks later in apprenticeship, with more experience and help from line manager
- Creating and developing machining processes in collaboration with the team
- Transferring CAD designs to CAM toolpaths and running associated simulations
- Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) - Grade 5 or above in Maths; Grade 4 or above in English and Science; plus a further 2 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
- A Level 2 Engineering Qualification will also be considered
- Strong team player with open and clear communication
- Able to build positive relationships with colleagues and clients
- Practical and hands-on with a methodical and safety-conscious approach
- Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and accuracy
- Logical problem-solver who enjoys working with equipment and tools
- Eager to learn and develop with a flexible, can-do attitude
Delivery model: Day release at Blackburn College to complete knowledge qualification during the duration of the apprenticeship. 4 days per week hands-on, on site at Gerotor Design Studio, with regular support and guidance visits from the Blackburn College assessor, plus independent end-point assessment.
Qualification to be delivered: Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard; EAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge).
Employment and ProgressionThis role is part of our talent planning for the future. There is potential for permanent employment on successful completion of the apprenticeship, subject to performance and role availability. Completion may provide progression to higher education (HNC, HND, Foundation Degree).
Cogent Skills is managing the recruitment process in partnership with Gerotor Design Studio Limited. All applications must be made through the Cogent Skills Apprenticeship portal. The successful candidate will be employed by Cogent Skills Services Ltd and will undertake on-job learning with Gerotor Design Studio Ltd at its Leyland site. This is a fully non-smoking site; smoking or vaping is only permitted off site during non-working hours.
Company and LocationGerotor Design Studio is a family-run business based in Leyland, Enterprise Drive. The company designs and manufactures gerotor style oil and fuel pumps for a wide range of industries, including Formula 1, automotive OEM, motorsport, aerospace, EV & net zero technologies, medical, and the large air compressor industry. The Leyland facility houses modern CNC equipment and utilizes Solidworks, Fusion 360, and HyperMill for CAM. The business operates as an end-to-end engineering entity with ISO 9001 accreditation.
Salary and HolidaysSalary: National Minimum Wage (rates vary with age). Earnings potential for a newly qualified Machining Technician with design and software experience is up to around £30k p.a. Holiday allowance: 25 days plus Bank Holidays.
Machining Technician Apprenticeship - Gerotor Design Studio Limited in Leyland employer: Cogent Skills
Gerotor Design Studio Limited is an excellent employer for aspiring engineers, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture where your ideas are valued. Located in Leyland, this family-run business provides hands-on experience in precision machining and opportunities for personal growth through mentorship from experienced professionals. With a commitment to employee development and potential for permanent roles post-apprenticeship, you can look forward to a rewarding career path in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Machining Technician Apprenticeship - Gerotor Design Studio Limited in Leyland
✨Get Hands-On in the Field
Mechanical engineering is all about practical skills, so dive into local workshops or maker spaces. Attending hands-on events can help you network with professionals who might know about apprenticeship opportunities at companies like Cogent Skills.
✨Utilise Engineering Competitions
Join engineering competitions or clubs at your university or in your community. These not only look great on your CV but can also connect you with companies looking to recruit apprentices, including Cogent Skills.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying, make sure to hit up your university's career services. They often have connections with firms like Cogent Skills who are on the lookout for eager apprentices. Take full advantage of their resources!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, whether for school or personal interest. A well-curated portfolio can impress potential employers like Cogent Skills when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Machining Technician Apprenticeship - Gerotor Design Studio Limited in Leyland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:When applying for a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, highlight any relevant skills or hands-on experience you've got. If you've worked on projects related to design, CAD software, or any hands-on mechanical work, make sure to include that to show you're ready for the practical side of things!
Dive into Your Education:Apprenticeships value your learning potential, so don’t forget to mention your academic achievements, specifically in STEM subjects. Talk about any courses or certifications related to mechanical engineering you've taken and how they inspire you to grow in this field.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:This isn’t just any application—you want to grab attention! In your cover letter, weave in your passion for mechanical engineering. Share why you’re excited about potentially working with Cogent Skills and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork & Problem-Solving:Mechanical engineering is all about collaboration and critical thinking. Include examples in your CV or cover letter where you’ve tackled a problem as a team, or solved a challenge in a project. This shows recruiters at Cogent Skills that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cogent Skills
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
As this is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, make sure you highlight any hands-on experience you have. Bring along examples of projects or tasks you've done, whether it's in school or outside. If you've got a portfolio of work or even some photos of your projects, that can really set you apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the specific tools and techniques commonly used in mechanical engineering. Be prepared to discuss software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or simulation tools, as these might come up during technical questions. Understanding of basic engineering principles will also give you a solid foundation to impress your interviewers at Cogent Skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. So, be ready to articulate why you want to pursue this path at Cogent Skills. Share any relevant coursework or experiences that piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot
You may face some situational or problem-solving questions during your interview, especially practical ones that mimic real-world engineering challenges. Practise how you'd approach such problems – think through your reasoning and how you would apply your knowledge practically. This shows you can think on your feet, which is key in mechanical engineering!
