CNC Milling

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

Useful resources

Contact details

l.pratt@uwtsd.ac.uk

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 listed, 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 2 through to level 6 for England, Northern Ireland and Wales or SCQF Level 10 in Scotland, with relevant experience in programming, setting and operating CNC machines.

How it works

1. Register

Registrations open 09:00am Monday 3rd of March and will close midnight Friday 28th of March.

2. Entry stage

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

3. National Qualifiers

Qualifiers will take place between 5th of May 2025 to 27th of June 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

4. Training and Development

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.

5. National Finals

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

6. Squad UK

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2024 for the WorldSkills 2026 Cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle