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Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

Encocam Ltd · Stukeley Meadows Industrial Estate · posted 17 July 2026

Wage
£16,640 a year
Hours
40 hours a week
Duration
3 Years 9 Months
Level
Advanced (Level 3)
Standard
Machining technician (level 3)
Starts
10 August 2026
Closing date
2 August 2026
Positions
2

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Encocam has evolved into a global engineering and manufacturing leader specialising in impact mitigation, energy absorption, advanced composite structures and lightweight core technologies. This evolution has been driven by sustained investment in engineering capability, testing infrastructure, manufacturing facilities and skilled personnel, enabling Encocam to support customers across safety-critical and performance-driven industries.

They are now looking for two apprentices to join their team.

The successful candidates will work as part of the employers Bespoke Composite Panels division - please see the link https://bespokecompositepanels.com

What will you be doing in the role?

Aluminium Honeycomb & Skin Preparation:

  • Learn to handle, degrease, and chemically or mechanically prepare material surfaces to ensure optimal surface energy for adhesive bonding.
  • Master the handling of an array of difference composite core types such as Aluminium honeycomb, learning how to cut, splice, and manipulate them before lay-up.

Structural Bonding & Assembly:

  • Understand the properties of structural film adhesives and paste adhesives.
  • Learn to assemble the "sandwich" stack (Skin-Adhesive-Core-Adhesive-Skin) according to strict engineering blueprints.
  • Gain expertise in vacuum bagging techniques, pressure application, and monitoring oven/heated press curing cycles.


CNC Router Machining & Post-Processing:

  • Train on the industrial CNC routers to safely perform panel profiling, pocketing, and drilling.
  • Learn to set up workpiece holding (vacuum beds, fixtures) specifically tailored for composite panels and structures to prevent vibration or damage and ensure accuracy.
  • Progressively learn to operate CNC machinery, select correct tooling, and assist with basic CAD/CAM programming.


Panel Finishing & Hardware Integration:

  • Learn bespoke post-processing techniques, including edge-closing, potting, and installing inserts or edge members as part of the composite structure.
  • Conduct visual and dimensional quality checks using vernier calipers, micrometres, and depth gauges to ensure compliance with client specifications.

Engineering Design & CAD Exposure:

  • Gain hands-on exposure to industry-standard design software (SolidWorks) to understand how 3D digital models are built.
  • Learn to interpret and create technical engineering drawings, mastering geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure components meet strict standards.
  • Work alongside our design team to learn how bespoke sandwich panels are engineered from concept to physical reality, understanding how material selection affects panel weight, stiffness, and CNC machining limitations.


You will be required to attend the Bedford College campus from September 2026.

Your training

Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship Standard.

Where it leads

Encocam Ltd have a proven track record in developing the skills and talents of their apprentices, who go on to have flourishing careers within the business. The invaluable skills and qualifications obtained throughout the apprenticeship journey have also enabled previous apprentices to move into different roles and departments.

About Encocam Ltd

This Apprentice role is to work for our Bespoke Composites Panel division (https://bespokecompositepanels.com/) which is a global manufacturer of composite panels specializing in aluminium honeycomb core technology. With a worldwide reputation, BCP works closely with customers to solve engineering challenges, design, and manufacture composite panels and vacuum tables which exceed expectations.

Things to consider

Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College Apprenticeship Recruitment Team. Please note this is part of the recruitment process and must be completed in order for your application to be progressed to the next stage.

Please consider how you will get to work and the Bedford College Campus.

Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.

Skills they're looking for

communication skillshardworkingAttention to detailOrganisation skills

Entry requirements

  • GCSE Science (grade 9 - 4) — desired
  • GCSE English (grade 9 - 4) — desired
  • GCSE Maths (grade 9 - 4) — desired

Where you'll work

  • 22 Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows Industrial Estate, PE29 6DR

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