Engineering Operative Apprenticeship
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Company: XCEL AEROSPACE LIMITED
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Location: Essex, RM3 8UH
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £16,224.00 per year
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Sector: Engineering and manufacturing
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Ref: NAS-2000033915
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Application Deadline Date: 12/06/2026
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Start Date: 07/09/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 5.00pm (30 minute lunch break). Friday 8.00am - 1.00pm.
Brief Description
Xcel Aerospace are looking to recruit an Engineering Operative Apprentice. We employ highly skilled workers who are keen to share their knowledge with eager apprentices to deliver our vision of excellence in everything we do.This is an excellent opportunity to join a professional and traditional Engineering firm whose expertise is in high demand.
Training to be Provided
- Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard
- Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours
- Day release to attend New City College, Rainham campus (RM13 GP)
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship, progression to other opportunities could be available, depending upon the needs of the company at that time.
Vacancy Detail
The Apprentice CNC Machinist will spend time within the machine shop and will learn about CNC milling and CNC turning. The apprentice will be involved with manufacturing aerospace components made from aluminium, stainless and mild steel.
The apprentice will operate within the mandatory customer and internal specifications and inspect products accordingly. The Apprentice CNC Machinist will learn how to effectively and safely operate and setup 3-axis CNC machining centres, and lathes.
Key Deliverables:
- Perform tool setting, machine maintenance, machine loading, de-burring of components, loading CNC programme of components, inspection of components and updating of system to achieve current status of workload
- To understand and interpret Engineering drawings including GD&T and to use a range of standard and special measuring equipment as well as working closely with QC to achieve high ‘First off’ pass rates and to liaise with QC to resolve issues and eliminate repeat failures
- To have an understanding of cutting tool and component materials and their effect on productivity. The importance of correct tool selection, an understanding of cutting tool conditions including rigidity, speeds, feeds, lubrication and their application and effect. Also, to understand tool failure and to recognise causes and take appropriate action to rectify
- To understand and apply safe and appropriate work holding methods and techniques to satisfy component requirements, including manual and automatic chucks, vices, direct clamping (to machine tables) and special jigs and fixtures
- Verify the conformity of parts, assemblies and sub-assemblies in line with engineering drawings, the quality management system and any special customer requirements
- Identify and report non-conformance as per the Company procedure
- Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance and Health Safety Environment policies and procedures
Requirements:
- Able to work within tight time scales whilst maintaining and promoting quality standards
- Good organisational and prioritisation skills
- Confidence to challenge product progression in the event of non-conforming discovery
Other Information
This is a very hands-on role, working on the shop floor and will involve standing/being on your feet for sustained periods.