Overview

CNC milling, or computer numerical control milling, is a machining process which employs computerised controls and rotating multi-point cutting tools to progressively remove material from the work piece and produce a custom-designed part or product. This process is suitable for machining a wide range of materials, such as metal, plastic, glass, and wood, and producing a variety of custom-designed parts and products.

The CNC Milling competition prepares you for industry by putting you in the role of the CNC machinist. Competitors will work to a set brief and use CNC machine tools to cut, drill, shape and finish products and components used in engineering and manufacturing.

The skills you need to demonstrate

  • Math Skills

  • IT Skills

  • Understanding of health and safety

  • Safe handling of machinery

  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM system

  • Problem Solving

  • Interpret Drawings

  • Process Planning

Prepare for competition success

Enhance learner preparation for competition with pressure tests (part of our benchmarking resources) to help master their technical skills, and mindset masterclasses to build personal skills.

access on the learning lab

Contact details

Entry criteria

  • This is an individual competition
  • There are no limits to the number of competitors that can register for this competition
  • Competitors must be familiar with all of the core competencies (these can be found in the in the National Standard of Excellence ‘Useful Information’ section below), but must not have more than 5 years of industry experience
  • The competition is intended for those studying, training and/or working in the CNC Industry. Competitors will use CNC machines to cut, drill, shape and finish products and components used in engineering and manufacturing
  • This competition is open to anyone studying qualifications at level 3 for England, Northern Ireland and Wales or SCQF Level 6 in Scotland, with relevant experience in programming, setting and operating CNC machines.

How it works

Registrations open at 9am on Monday 3 March and will close midnight Friday 28 March.

Entry Stage will be released between Monday 3 March with a final deadline of 2 May, 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

Qualifiers will take place on the 25 June 2025 (Remote submission).

To help finalists prepare ahead of the UK Final, we will provide relevant technical training and share mindset development techniques, to support them to remain focused on achieving success.

The National Finals are scheduled to take place in Wales during the week beginning 24 November, 2025.

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2025 for the WorldSkills 2028 Cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle

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Kickstart a career in CNC Milling

If you’re interested in CNC Milling then visit our Careers pages to learn more.

Learn more about this career
Photo of a CNC miller using a machine

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