Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Find out more about our Machinist, Fitter and Inspector apprentice positions below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process. 
 
CNC Machinist Apprentice 
Your day kicks off with a quick team meeting to go over the jobs lined up and any safety reminders. Then it’s off to your machine station, where you’ll set up tools and materials ready for the day’s tasks. 
 
You’ll spend most of your time using either traditional or CNC (computer-controlled) machines to shape metal parts. You’ll follow detailed drawings to make sure everything is accurate, checking your work as you go. If something’s not quite right, you’ll learn how to adjust the machine or tools to fix it. 
 
Throughout the day, you’ll work closely with experienced machinists and quality inspectors, picking up tips and learning how to spot and solve problems. By the end of your shift, you’ll clean down your area and record what you’ve completed. 
 
Fitter Apprentice 
You’ll start your day by reviewing the engineering drawings for the job you’re working on. These show you exactly how the parts should fit together. After gathering your tools and materials, you’ll begin assembling mechanical components—this could be anything from pumps to pipework. 
 
You might be building new equipment, helping install it onto a submarine module, or even diagnosing and fixing a fault. You’ll use a mix of hand tools and power tools, and you’ll always be thinking about safety and precision. 
 
You’ll work alongside skilled fitters and engineers, learning how to follow procedures and solve real-world problems. At the end of the day, you’ll update your progress and prepare for tomorrow’s tasks. 
 
Inspector Apprentice 
Your day begins with checking which parts or assemblies need inspecting. You’ll use measuring tools like micrometres and gauges as well as 3D scanning and laser tracking equipment to check that everything meets the required standards. 
 
You’ll inspect parts at different stages—sometimes right after machining, other times after assembly. If something doesn’t meet the spec, you’ll work with the machinists or fitters to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. 
 
You’ll learn how to read technical drawings, follow inspection procedures, and keep accurate records. It’s a role that requires attention to detail and a strong focus on quality and safety.