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.