A CNC Operator in the UK

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

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.

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.