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Sound Recordings

A CNC Operator in the UK

This interview will give you an idea of what it is like to work as a CNC operator in the UK.
Metallarbeider opererer en CNC fresemaskin. Foto.
Image: Science Photo Library, NTB scanpix / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Pre-listening task

Before listening, use the dictionary to check that you know the meaning of the following words: gap; ply (plywood); carpenter; joiner; CAD; insecurity

Interview

Listen to the following interview with a CNC operator in the UK and find out:

  • Where he works. (type of company - large/small, etc)
  • Where about in the UK he works.
  • Why he chose this profession.
  • What type of tasks he has to do on a typical day at work.
  • What personal qualities he suggests are needed by a CNC operator.
  • Does he describe any work processes or services that he provides?
  • What he likes best and least about his job.
  • How he thinks this line of work will change in the future.
  • Where he sees himself in 5 - 10 years' time.

CNC Operator - Interview

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Audio: James Vyner / CC BY-SA 4.0

Dialogue

After you have practised, add more dialogue for some of the following situations:

  • The manager says that they have a large workload at the moment and will not be able to do the job until next week. This makes the customer angry.
  • The customer is telephoning to ask if his plywood profiles are finished. They were supposed to be done by this afternoon.
  • The customer phones to complain about the plywood profiles that were made for him. The dimensions are incorrect.