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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)

£20,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become CNC machinist

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.

Courses include:

  • engineering and manufacturing
  • performing engineering operations
  • mechanical engineering

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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 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
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • analytical thinking skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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:

  • programme the CNC machine tool with data from technical drawings
  • work out the most efficient order to carry out machining tasks
  • choose the right tools for each stage and operate the machine
  • set the cutting speeds and tolerance levels
  • check that work meets quality and technical standards and maintain equipment

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

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 and further training, you could move into a supervisory role.

You could also move into quality inspection or become an engineering technician.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Maintenance Engineer

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire

Machining Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,145.60 a year Annually
  • Location: BEAM HEATH WAY, NANTWICH
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

LANCS Degree Mechanical Engineering

  • Provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: BARROW-IN-FURNESS

HTQ Engineering (Mechanical)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Castleford
Find courses near you

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