Woodworking Machinist

Our client, a well-established manufacturing business within the Timber & Woodworking Manufacturing industry, based in Cheltenham, has an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Woodworking / Woodworking Machinist to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis due to continued business growth and increased demand.

This is a fantastic opportunity for either an experienced Woodworking Machinist or an enthusiastic Trainee Woodworking Machinist looking to learn a highly skilled trade. The successful Woodworking Machinist will join a busy production team responsible for the preparation and processing of timber to the highest standards. For trainee candidates, full in-house training will be provided on a range of woodworking machinery, with competency assessed by an external awarding body, leading to recognised Certificates of Competence.

This is a fully equipped timber mill rather than a heavy industrial tree-felling sawmill.

• Sheet-material cutting saws:
  Panel saws or beam saws used to cut plywood, chipboard, and MDF to specific sizes.
• Timber resizing saws:
  Cross-cut and rip saws used to resize softwood, oak, and sapele.
• Moulding and shaping machines:
  Wood moulders/planers used to produce bespoke timber mouldings and firring strips.
• General power and trade tools

• A strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn.
• A practical, hands‑on approach with good attention to detail.
• The ability to work safely and follow established procedures.
• Good basic numeracy and measurement skills.
• A good level of physical fitness, with the ability to lift and move heavy timber and materials when required.

• Operating, or learning to operate, a variety of woodworking machinery including planers, moulders, cross‑cut saws, and spindle moulders.
• Preparing, handling, and processing raw timber for production.
• Carrying out quality inspections to ensure products meet customer and company specifications.
• Maintaining a safe and organised working environment, including routine machine cleaning and maintenance checks.
• Assisting with the organisation, movement, and storage of timber stock throughout the workshop.

• Monday to Friday: 07.30am - 16.30pm / 08:00am - 5:00pm
• 1‑hour unpaid lunch break
• One in every three Saturdays: 07:30am - 12:30pm

Our client is offering the successful Trainee Woodworking / Woodworking Machinist a salary in the region of £28,000 - £31,000 per annum plus benefits including:

• Full in‑house training programme for trainee candidates.
• External on‑site assessments leading to recognised Certificates of Competence.
• Long‑term career progression opportunities.
• Full‑time, permanent employment.
• Company pension scheme.
• Paid holiday entitlement.
• Ongoing support and development within an experienced team.