At a Glance
- Tasks: Create bespoke, high-tolerance parts using manual lathes in a dynamic workshop.
- Company: Established Cardiff engineering firm with a strong employee ownership culture.
- Benefits: Profit share, generous annual leave, and a four-day work week.
- Other info: Opportunities for CNC training and flexible start times.
- Why this job: Enjoy job security, competitive pay, and a chance to guide junior team members.
- Qualifications: Experience with manual lathes and ability to interpret engineering drawings.
The predicted salary is between 26334 - 30000 £ per year.
If you're a manual turner or manual lathe machinist who wants real job security, a profit share every month, and a genuine stake in the business, this Cardiff role is worth a look. The numbers speak for themselves: Over the last two years, the team's profit share has averaged £5,600-£6,750 each. On top of that, the tax-free EOT bonus has been around £3,600 a year - worth roughly 20-30% more than the same money taxed.
Real security: 30 years in business. No redundancies, ever. No debt - when they buy a machine, they pay cash.
A four-and-a-bit day week: Monday to Thursday with a Friday finish around 11:30am-12pm. That's most of Friday and every weekend back for family, the workshop at home, or whatever you enjoy. No overtime, no clock-watching: They don't need it. Because pay is linked to profit, people get the work out and go home - productivity jumped 15% after they became employee-owned.
Generous Annual Leave from Day One: You'll get 24 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays from Day One. Much more than the standard 20 days that most employers offer. They want a team that works hard and is rewarded with quality time off.
What you'll do as the Manual Lathe Machinist
- You'll work in a precision engineering workshop alongside CNC mills, CNC lathes and a bank of manual lathes, making bespoke, high-tolerance parts to customer-supplied drawings.
- Runs are small - typically one-offs up to around 20 of a part - so no two days look the same.
- Turn high-tolerance parts manually: Take a drawing, the material and the tooling, and produce the part - working to fine tolerances (around 0.05mm and tighter).
- Work across materials: Aluminium, stainless steel, brass and some plastics, with the odd specialist ceramic job.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and use both mechanical and digital measuring equipment to check your work.
- Guide the junior members: At the upper end of the salary, you'll help steer apprentices and more junior turners - sharing the best way to approach a job.
- Grow into CNC if you want to: The focus is manual turning, but if you're interested in CNC down the line, training could be available.
Hours of work
You'll work 39 hours Monday to Thursday plus a Friday morning, with room to flex when you start - some start at 6:30am, others at 8am.
What you'll need to apply for the Manual Lathe Machinist
- Hands-on experience operating manual lathes (e.g. Colchester, Hardinge).
- The ability to take an engineering drawing and manually produce parts to a good, fine tolerance (around 0.05mm).
- Experience turning materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, brass or plastics, and confident use of mechanical and digital measuring devices.
Next Steps
Click Apply to find out more. If you click 'Apply', we may contact you via email, phone & text message regarding this job, other jobs (current and future), and related recruitment services. You can OPT OUT at any time; full details are in our Privacy Policy at sigmarecruitment.co.uk/privacy-policy or find the policy in the Sigma website footer. Location & postcode of advert are approximate. If you don't hear from us within 14 days of application, you have not been shortlisted. We use AI to triage applications.
Manual Lathe Machinist in Newport employer: Sigma
Join a thriving team in Cardiff where your skills as a Manual Lathe Machinist will be truly valued. With a strong focus on employee ownership, you can enjoy job security, generous profit sharing, and a four-day work week that allows for a healthy work-life balance. The company fosters a supportive culture with opportunities for personal growth and development, ensuring that every team member feels invested in their work and the success of the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manual Lathe Machinist in Newport
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Manual Lathe Machinist in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Sigma's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Sigma. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sigma
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Sigma.
