Turning Training Course
Develop Practical Centre Lathe Skills for Entry-Level Machinists
This hands-on training course equips engineers, machinists, and apprentices with the core skills needed to safely operate a manual centre lathe. Focusing on setup, tool handling, and component accuracy, it serves as the essential first step into traditional turning and workshop-based precision engineering.
Employers benefit by ensuring their teams can safely and independently carry out fundamental lathe operations to produce high-quality machined parts.
Delivery:
On-site
Duration:
The course runs over 3-5 days
Assessment:
Theory-led demonstrations + practical workshop exercises
Certification:
Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion
Why This Course Is Right for Your Team
- Build confidence in safe lathe operation
- Reduce workshop errors and downtime
- Strengthen in-house manufacturing capabilities
- Prepare staff for CNC or advanced turning routes
- Ideal for onboarding new or cross-training employees
What’s Covered in the Course
Participants will gain practical experience on a centre lathe, learning to prepare and execute turning operations to industry standards. This foundational training supports consistent production and builds confidence in tool control, material setup, and internal/external turning.
Key Topics Covered:
- Safe use of manual lathes and machine controls
- Selecting and setting turning tools
- Calculating speeds and feeds for various materials
- Accurate tool positioning and datum referencing
- Using 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks
- Turning between centres and tailstock operations
- Boring techniques and internal machining
- Hole drilling, centre drilling, and depth control
- Threading with taps and dies
- Compound slide alignment for angle cutting
- Custom profiling with form tools
- Turning features: steps, shoulders, and cylinders
Link to: Machining Courses
More Machining & CNC Courses
Course Format & Certification
- Pre-requisites: No prior turning experience required. Suitable for complete beginners or as a refresher.
- Delivery: On-site or at our training centre
- Duration: The course runs for 3-5 days, depending on group size and experience. Theory-led demonstrations + practical workshop exercises.
- Assessment: Practical demonstration of lathe skills, instructor observation and feedback, completion of assigned machining tasks
- Qualification: Successful participants receive a Certificate of Attendance.
- Trainer: Industry-experienced machining instructors
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for:
- Entry-level engineers and apprentices
- Maintenance or workshop staff transitioning to manual turning
- Employers onboarding new hires
- Technicians returning to manual machining after a gap
Career Progression
After completing Turning (Part 1), trainees can progress to:
- Turning (Part 2): Advanced techniques, thread cutting, tapers
- CNC Turning: Transition into automated production
- Precision Engineering Qualifications: e.g. NVQ Level 2/3
- Specialist roles in toolrooms, maintenance teams, or manufacturing
FAQs – Turning Training Course – Part 1
Do participants need prior machining experience?
No, this course is tailored for beginners and staff returning to manual turning after time away.
What kind of lathe equipment is required for on-site delivery?
A manual centre lathe with 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks, cutting tools, measuring equipment, and tailstock attachments.
Will participants be job-ready after this course?
Yes, they’ll be able to set up and perform basic turning tasks independently under standard workshop supervision.
Can the course be customised to our industry?
Absolutely. We can adjust materials and exercises based on your sector—manufacturing, aerospace, tooling, or maintenance.
Does the course support apprenticeships?
Yes, it provides essential workshop skills that align with early-stage apprenticeship requirements in engineering and manufacturing.
Follow a manual added link
Follow a manual added link
Link to: Training Solutions
Download a copy of our Machining Course Guide
CLICK HERE
Build Lathe Confidence & Capability in Your Team
Train your workshop staff in the core principles of manual turning. Book Turning (Part 1) to develop safe, efficient, and competent machinists.
Contact us today to request a quote.
