Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice in Milton Keynes

As a Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, you’ll transform raw materials into vitally important products, all while building a career in our purpose-built manufacturing facility. Over this 42-month apprenticeship, you’ll combine classroom learning with hands‑on experience through mentored placements on‑site. Supported by a dedicated training provider, experienced supervisors and mentors, you’ll develop practical skills in CNC machining (milling and turning), sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, and quality assurance, including inspecting and verifying parts. As your expertise and confidence grow, you’ll work towards a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship and an HNC in Engineering, giving you a strong foundation for your future career.

What you need

You’ll have, or be predicted to achieve by September 2027, five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths, English Language and a STEM-related subject. Along with this, you’ll hold either two A*-C, preferably in STEM subjects, or a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering (minimum 90 credits). Just as importantly, you’ll be curious, creative and genuinely interested in how things are made. You’ll enjoy asking questions, exploring new approaches and sharing your ideas with those around you. You’ve had experience of collaborating in a team and you’re keen to absorb as much knowledge as possible from others when working together. And because you understand the importance of the work we do, you'll bring integrity and professionalism to the role as we make breakthroughs together.

What we offer

In joining HMGCC, you’ll have the opportunity to gain experience across a range of placements, work with bespoke equipment and help manufacture products that protect national security. When your apprenticeship ends, your journey doesn’t. As a Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll go on to solve problems you won’t find elsewhere. During your apprenticeship, you’ll be surrounded by a cohort of supportive colleagues who share your passion, as well as experienced placement supervisors who are keen to share their expertise and advice. You’ll also have a mentor who will provide technical guidance and a buddy to help you settle into your role at HMGCC. Alongside ongoing training and development, you’ll enjoy all the same benefits and facilities as our colleagues that include 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), an onsite counsellor, and plenty of training and development opportunities to support your learning. We also offer free secure on‑site parking, a free 24‑hour gym, a café, a restaurant and a multi‑faith prayer room.

Inclusion and diversity

Inclusion and diversity really matter to us. It's not just about hitting targets or visible differences. HMGCC are committed to providing equal opportunities and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. We’re not looking for any one type of person. We’re looking for talent from all different backgrounds to join our organisation, where we genuinely respect and value each other's differences, as well as our similarities. It makes us even better at what we do.

We’re HMGCC, the engineering specialists at the heart of the UK’s national security. We work with the national security community, UK government, academia, private sector partners and international allies to bring engineering ingenuity to the national security mission, creating tools and technologies that drive us ahead and help to protect the nation.