New College Durham is introducing a new Machining Technician Apprenticeship which will provide precision engineering manufacturing companies with a cost effective and time efficient way to upskill their employees.

Many staff currently working in machine operator roles do not hold a formal qualification. The high cost and three-day time commitment of many machinist courses make these qualifications unpractical and unaffordable for most SME’s. New College Durham’s new Machining Technician Apprenticeship aims to break down these barriers. As it is day release, students spend 80% in the workplace. This is a funded apprenticeship so the New College Durham apprenticeship team can help employers access the available funding. The team can also help businesses recruit apprentices or upskill their current workforce.

While studying at the college, apprentices will learn skills vital to machining technician roles including setting up, operating and adjusting machining equipment. Apprentices will gain a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering. The programme is suitable for school leavers so offers the ideal opportunity to bring new, qualified workers into the industry. 

“We are hoping the Machining Technician Apprenticeship will be a game changer for precision engineering manufacturing companies who were previously unable to access machinist training for their workforces. As the programme is also available to school leavers it also gives employers the opportunity to introduce new talent to their businesses,” said Sharon Bennet, Director of Apprenticeships and Partnerships at New College Durham.

The college is holding a breakfast event on Tuesday 7 February to give employers a chance to find out more about this exciting new qualification. Attendees can chat informally with teaching staff while enjoying a breakfast roll and tea or coffee. As well as getting an overview of the Machining Technician Apprenticeship, attendees can find out more about the wide range of apprenticeships, qualifications and training on offer at New College Durham.