CNC machinist
Program and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision parts for engineering and manufacturing.
- Salary£25,000 – £42,000
- Hours40 to 44 hours a week, which may include evening and weekend shifts
- Working for yourselfUsually employed
What the job is like
CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinists make precision parts. You'll program machine tools from engineering drawings, set cutting speeds and tolerances, plan the most efficient order of operations, then monitor the machine and check every part meets the spec.
It's a great blend of computers and hands-on making - ideal if you like maths, precision and seeing a design become a real object. You can start at college, through a Level 2 or Level 3 engineering apprenticeship, or apply directly with CNC experience.
What you'll do
- Program CNC machine tools from engineering drawings
- Work out the most efficient sequence of machining operations
- Set cutting speeds and tolerance levels
- Monitor machining and make adjustments
- Troubleshoot problems with machines or parts
- Check finished parts against quality standards
- Carry out routine machine maintenance
- Work with engineers to improve production processes
Where you'll work
- Workshop or studio
- Indoors
- In a team
- On your own
Skills and hobbies that help
Weighted by how much they matter in this job, from the official job profile's skills and tasks. Tap one to see other careers that use it.
Key skills
Used a lot
Handy to have
Hobbies that give you a head start
How to become a CNC machinist
Apprenticeship
The Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 foundation apprenticeship, Engineering operative (Level 2, typically around 12 months), Machining technician (Level 3, typically around 42 months) or Engineering and manufacturing support technician (Level 3, typically around 42 months). A Furniture CNC Technician Level 3 apprenticeship exists for furniture manufacturing.
College
Courses in advanced manufacturing and engineering, performing engineering operations or mechanical engineering, or the T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control.
Direct application
Possible with experience of CNC machine tools in engineering or manufacturing.
Where it can lead
- Supervisor or workshop manager
- Inspection and quality control
- Training others
- Machine software programming
Good to know
- Factories and workshops can be noisy, and you will wear protective clothing.
Courses and training
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Apprenticeship search
Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK
The official GOV.UK service for searching and applying for apprenticeship vacancies in England.
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Course search
Find a course – National Careers Service
The National Careers Service search for college and training provider courses in England, including Skills Bootcamps.
Official information
Sources
We checked these pages in September 2026. Rules, pay and courses change, so always confirm with the official source.
- National Careers Service: CNC machinist job profile nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/cnc-machinist
- Skills England apprenticeship standard: Machining technician skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st1305-v1-5
- Skills England apprenticeship standard: Engineering operative skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0537-v1-5
- Skills England apprenticeship standard: Engineering and manufacturing support technician skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st1395-v1-0