Level 3 Machining Apprentice in Ilminster

Apprenticeship Overview: This apprenticeship at G&H runs for 3 years and 6 months, beginning on 7 September 2026. The role includes practical on-the-job training complemented by academic studies on day release at college. Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 8.00am – 4.30pm and Friday, 8.00am – 3.30pm, totaling 39 hours a week.

Location: DOWLISH FORD, ILMINSTER, SOMERSET, TA19 0PF.

What You'll Do:

• Work in accordance with work instructions and collaborate with relevant parties to support the production of steady-state and new products, aiming for 100% delivery and quality.
• Adhere to all company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities related to Health, Safety, Environment and Quality.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel, fostering a culture of mutual respect and dignity.
• Promote G&H values: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision.
• Complete required training and obtain agreed academic qualifications.
• Complete up to eight modules (e.g., Polishing, Machine Shop, Coating, CNC, Quality, Procurement, Engineering) over the first three years and specialise in an agreed area for the final year.
• Listen to mentors, report on achievements at the end of each module, and provide feedback.
• Follow, process and complete all job sheet documentation as required.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records of work undertaken and maintain documentation with the part to ensure integrity and traceability.
• Maintain the work environment to the agreed standard in line with health and safety regulations.

Training: Apprentice training includes time away from work for specialist training and study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training Provider: Comply with statutory health and safety regulations and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• 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 or electronic) such as energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
• Read and interpret information (e.g., 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 and quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Choose machining processes, select and set up tooling and work holding devices.
• Set and adjust machine operating parameters, including 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 such as parallel, stepped, angular diameters and faces, grooves, slots, recesses and undercuts, radii and chamfers, internal and external forms and profiles; execute reaming, boring, drilling and electro-eroded holes; create internal and external screw threads.
• Measure and check components.
• 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 diagnose and resolve faults, escalating issues where necessary.
• Maintain the work area and return resources and consumables.
• Communicate verbally with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Follow machine shut-down, safe isolation, handover, start-up or warm-up procedures, escalating issues.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques and devise suggestions for improvement.
• Apply ethical principles and team working principles.

This training schedule has not been finalized. Check with the employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements:

• GCSE English (grade C/4 and above)
• GCSE Maths (grade C/4 and above)
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect prior knowledge.

Skills:

• Punctual & adaptable
• Instruction adherence
• Detail oriented
• Fast paced work
• Highly committed

Other Requirements: Potential candidates should be aware that many roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions may limit roles based on nationality, former nationalities, and place of birth. All applicants must be able to complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, including a DBS record check.

Benefits:

• Overtime at 1.5× after 39 hours, 2× on Sundays & Bank Holidays
• Health Cash Plan
• £500 referral bonus, cycle-to-work scheme

About G&H: G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing, with headquarters in Ilminster, Somerset, UK and primary operations in the USA and Europe. The company is recognised for its breadth of products and has a history of quality and excellence spanning over seventy-five years.

After the Apprenticeship: We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

Apply Now: Closes in 15 days (Saturday 30 May 2026 at 11:59pm).