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Apprenticeship training course

Advanced furniture CNC technician (level 3)

Manufacturing furniture and furniture components, such as desk lids, doors, casings or legs, using Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machinery to perform precision tasks.

Qualification level
3
Equivalent to A level.
Typical duration
24 months
Apprenticeship category
Engineering and manufacturing
Maximum funding
£11,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training.
Also known as
  • CNC Setter
  • CNC Wood Machinist
  • Furniture CNC Machinist
  • Furniture CNC Manager
  • Furniture CNC Operator
  • Furniture CNC Programmer
  • Furniture CNC Supervisors
  • Furniture CNC Team Leader
  • Furniture CNC Wood Machinist
Skills
Skills an apprentice will learn
  • Set tool compensation data in furniture CNC programmes.
  • Set tool data and parameters in furniture CNC programmes.
  • Optimise machinery for the best yield of materials.
  • Set, load, prove and optimise furniture CNC programmes.
  • Manage resources effectively including raw materials and time.
  • Select tooling suitable for use with materials being processed for example different varieties of wood.
  • Set up and operate furniture CNC/NC (Computer Numerically Controlled/Numerically controlled) machinery using appropriate safety measures and guards.
  • Maintain furniture CNC/NC machinery within limits of responsibility for example lubricating machinery, checking fluid levels, keeping machinery clean.
  • Apply improvement techniques to furniture manufacturing processes for example using different tooling, aggregate heads, tandem loading or tandem loading.
  • Work safely at all times, wearing appropriate PPE, adhering to COSHH records and completing health and safety records and reports.
  • Follow Safe Systems of work for the relevant machining processes.
  • Produce and maintain jigs and holding devices to ensure sufficient workpiece vacuum.
  • Develop and modify furniture CAD drawings to suit CNC processes.
  • Read and interpret furniture specifications and drawings.
  • Use editor software to modify or create furniture CNC programmes.
  • Rectify simple machine faults for example fast running, blunt tooling, burn marks or incorrect tool compensation.
  • Manage self and others and influence teams to achieve objectives.
  • Apply coaching, mentoring and team development techniques such as the GROW model.
  • Develop own skills to improve furniture CNC performance.
  • Train others to use machinery safely to company standards.
  • Record information required accurately for example production records.
  • Set tooling in various holders for example HSK (hollow taper shank), tribos and shrinkfit.
  • Able to check furniture products meet quality standards and furniture specifications.

Full information on Advanced furniture CNC technician (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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