Wood machinist apprenticeship

Shape and prepare timber products using specialist woodworking machines

As a wood machinist apprentice, you’ll learn how to set up and operate machinery that cuts, shapes, and finishes wood for use in furniture, construction, or joinery. You’ll work with natural timber and sheet materials to create components for doors, windows, staircases, and more.

During your apprenticeship, you’ll develop skills in reading technical drawings, measuring and marking materials, setting up cutting tools, and working with machines such as saws, routers, and CNC (computer-controlled) equipment. You’ll be trained in health and safety, quality control, and machine maintenance.

This is a practical role that suits people who are accurate, hands-on, and enjoy working with wood. You’ll work in workshops or factories, often as part of a production team.

With experience, you could progress to supervisory roles, specialise in CNC programming, or become a furniture maker or bench joiner.

Duration: 24 months
Relevant school subjects: Design and technology, maths, engineering
Entry requirements: Level 1 English and maths, with Level 2 required before completing the apprenticeship; employers may have additional entry criteria
Achievement upon completion: Level 2 (Intermediate) – equivalent to GCSEs
Potential salary upon completion: £18,000–£24,000 per annum