Job Posted: 14 July 2026
- Contract Term: Apprenticeships
- Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight
- Contract Type: Full time
- Salary: £11.50 per hour
- Industries: Apprenticeships Engineering
Closing Date: 14/08/2026
Job Start Date: Summer/Autumn 2026
We provide specialist load measuring and structural monitoring solutions across the UK and worldwide, with over 60 years of industry expertise. Our end-to-end services include technical support, design, manufacturing, repair, testing, calibration, installation, commissioning and ongoing data monitoring.
Excitingly, following the success of previous apprentices, Strainstall, part of BES Group, is now looking to recruit an Apprentice Machinist at its Cowes site.
About the Role:
The Apprentice Machinist role is an entry level position designed to develop skills in the setting-up, operation and first level maintenance of precision engineering equipment. Initially this will be manual machines but progressing onto automated CNC controlled machines. Initially, under supervision you will be responsible for the operation of production machines and the inspection of mechanical components used in Load Monitoring solutions primarily for the Oil and Gas industry, Renewable Energy Market and Marine applications.
- Assist in the setting-up and operation of metal machining equipment (lathes, milling machines and saws).
- Learn and interpretation of complex engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- The measurement and inspection of machined components using precision measurement equipment, i.e. micrometers, vernier calipers, depth gauges, shadow graphs etc.
· To maintain a clean and safe working environment. ·
- Always ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.
- Perform basic routine maintenance checks and procedures.
- Documentation of production and associated measurement results.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of processes, techniques, and system reliability.
Essential Qualities:
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings or design specifications with suitable training given.
- Ability to use mechanical measurement equipment with suitable training given.
- Ability to demonstrate a growing proficiency in component machining and inspection.
- Exposure to working in engineering and manufacturing environments.
- Good knowledge of IT and computer systems.
- Understanding of health & safety practices within a technical workshop environment
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, a Science related subject and a technical subject.
- Strong interest in engineering, manufacturing or mechanical disciplines.
- High attention to detail and precision in technical work.
- Ability, with suitable training, to interpret engineering drawings and design specifications.
- High attention to detail, calm under pressure and a positive approach to problem solving.
- Effective communication skills when working with engineers and colleagues.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage workload independently.
- A customer centric attitude.
- Good interpersonal communication skills with the ability to listen and learn.
- Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
- Proof of this will be required.
Apprenticeship Standard:
- Machining Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard.
- Duration of Apprenticeship will be between 42 and 45 months.
- Functional Skills in Maths and English are required and if not previously achieved GCSE grade 4/C or above – this is a mandatory requirement for this Level 3 apprenticeship.
- Alongside your practical daily work, you’ll take part in off-the-job training hours—dedicated study time within your working week to develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours through any new/online learning.
- Attendance at CECAMM, The Isle of Wight College as part of the apprenticeship.
Working Week:
- Standard working hours being from 08.30am to 5.15pm Monday to Thursday with 30 minutes unpaid lunch break, and 8.30am to 1.00 pm on Friday.
Wage:
Additional information below:
Once qualified and dependant on needs of the business at the time of apprenticeship completion, there may be the potential to grow within the company and become a part of a skilled workforce.
So, if this sounds like the next step you want to take with your career, then please apply with a cover letter and CV telling us why you feel you would be the ideal person to take on this brilliant opportunity!!
