Craft – Machinist

48 month programme

What is a Machinist Apprenticeship?

A Machinist Apprentice trains to become a highly skilled craftsperson in the nuclear industry.

What will I be doing?

You will be trained to:

• Operate lathes and milling machines to produce items to specification.
• Manufacture items with threads, chamfers, radii, grooves and slots.

You will need to wear personal protective equipment, necessary for work in active areas (such as full PVC suiting, gloves and respirators) and work in confined spaces or at heights.

What do I need to consider?

This is a four-year scheme where the first year will be spent learning a range of hands-on engineering skills.

Additionally, you will undertake Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications that will be delivered on a one day per week basis.

Years 2 – 4 of your training will be spent in the central workshops, on plant in the active area where you will work with skilled machinists.

It is important that you are a self-starter who is able to manage your own time and work independently, as well as in a team, in a physically demanding environment; you will also have a keen interest in learning an engineering trade within the nuclear industry.

As an integral part of your apprenticeship your progress will be monitored and assessed against the National Apprenticeship Standard requirements. You will compile an evidence folder, demonstrating your areas of learning with accredited certificates of completion for elements of your training.

Within the last six months of your apprenticeship you will undertake an End Point Assessment, where you will be expected to clearly demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired throughout your apprenticeship and be assessed by an independently appointed organisation.

Where will my training be delivered?

1st Year – training is delivered at our local off-site training facility.

2nd, 3rd & 4th Years – Site placement in central workshops at Sellafield.

What qualifications will I obtain? to check

• Level 3 Apprenticeship ST1305 – Machining technician
• Level 3 Diploma in advanced manufacturing engineering City & Guilds
• Level 2 Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness (ANIA)

*Specific qualifications are subject to change and replaced with an equivalent

What are the entry requirements?

• Minimum of 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (Grade C) in Mathematics, English Language & 1 Science or Engineering subject.
• Functional Skills Level 2 will also be considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (Grade C). Other equivalent qualifications may be considered.

What are the requirements to do the role?

• You will need to wear personal protective equipment, necessary for work in active areas (such as full PVC suiting, gloves and respirators)

Additional Requirements

• Candidates will be required to achieve appropriate security and medical clearances; these will be instigated on receiving a conditional offer of employment.