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CNC machinist

Alternative titles for this job include CNC operator

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinists make precision parts for the engineering and manufacturing industries.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the practical engineering skills you'll need in this job.

Courses include:

  • advanced manufacturing and engineering
  • performing engineering operations
  • mechanical engineering
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an employer. These include:

  • Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Machining Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

If you're working in the furniture manufacturing industry, you could do a Furniture CNC Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got experience of working with CNC machine tools in engineering or manufacturing.

Further information

You can find out more about engineering careers from Tomorrow's Engineers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to work on your own
  • observation and recording skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a CNC machinist, you could:

  • program CNC machine tools in line with engineering drawings
  • work out the most efficient order to carry out machining tasks
  • set cutting speeds and tolerance levels
  • monitor machining operations and make adjustments where necessary
  • troubleshoot problems
  • check machined parts to make sure they meet quality standards
  • carry out routine machine maintenance
  • work with engineers to improve production processes

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could take up a supervisory role or go into workshop management.

You could also move into:

  • inspection and quality control
  • training
  • machine software programming

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Maintenance Engineer

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire

Apprentice CAD Technician

  • Wage: £14,722.50 a year Annually
  • Location: Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

CNC Operations

  • Provider: GLOUCESTERSHIRE ENGINEERING TRAINING LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known

LANCS Degree Mechanical Engineering

  • Provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: BARROW-IN-FURNESS
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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