CNC Machinist
Set up, operate, and program CNC machine tools to manufacture precision components in metal, composites, and plastics for aerospace, automotive, medical device, and engineering industries.
Moderate
Low
3 years via Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship; direct entry possible for applicants with demonstrable maths and engineering aptitude
Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship standard; or equivalent City & Guilds / EAL Level 3 qualification in machining. CNC programming proficiency in Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain, or Mazak control systems is valued by employers.
possible
What you do
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists set up and operate precision machine tools — lathes, milling machines, machining centres, and grinding machines — that are controlled by programmed code rather than manual operation. You read engineering drawings and specifications, select cutting tools and workholding fixtures, write or modify CNC programs (using G-code or CAD/CAM software such as Fusion 360, Mastercam, or Siemens NX), set up the machine for a run, prove out the program with test cuts, and inspect finished components to tight dimensional tolerances using micrometers, verniers, and CMM (coordinate measuring machines). Multi-axis machining centres (3, 4, and 5-axis) allow complex aerospace and medical device components to be machined in a single setup. In production environments, you manage batch runs, change tooling, and maintain machine condition. Industries employing CNC machinists include aerospace, automotive, motorsport, defence, medical devices, and general precision engineering.
Why this career is resilient
Precision-machined components are required in every mechanical and electromechanical system — from aircraft engines and implantable medical devices to automotive gearboxes and industrial machinery. While CNC machines themselves automate the cutting operations, setting them up, programming them, proving out new parts, and managing quality requires skilled, experienced operators who understand both engineering principles and machine behaviour. Automation is replacing simple, repetitive machining tasks, but it is increasing the complexity and variety of precision work that remains — and creating more programmer/setter roles rather than fewer. The UK aerospace sector (a key employer) is a long-term growth area for precision machining.
A typical day
Morning: set up a 5-axis machining centre for a batch of aluminium aerospace bracket components. Load the CNC program, clamp the first workpiece, run a single-part prove-out at reduced feed, and inspect the part dimensionally against the drawing. Adjust tool offsets to bring dimensions within tolerance. Run the full batch of 20 parts, monitoring tool wear at intervals. Afternoon: move to a turning centre to rough-machine a batch of stainless steel pump shafts. Write a short program modification to optimise the finish on one feature, then inspect finished parts with a micrometer and record results on the inspection sheet.
Routes in
Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn: work with an employer and study part-time, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Typically funded by the government and your employer.
Employer-funded training
Some employers — particularly the NHS, emergency services, and larger care providers — run their own funded training programmes. You apply for a job and train as you work.
Pay and costs
Earning potential: Apprentice CNC machinist: £18,000–£22,000. Qualified machinist: £28,000–£38,000. CNC programmer/setter-operator: £35,000–£48,000. Aerospace and defence roles command premiums above general engineering rates.
Training costs: Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship: no upfront cost (employer-funded via apprenticeship levy). PPE provided by employer. No external certifications required before entry — CNC machining skills are developed through the apprenticeship.