Overview
Manufacturing Technician (Extrusion) Apprentice (Level 3) – Sharpak Bridgwater
Location: Bridgwater. Apprenticeship focused on Polymer Processing Technician L3. Salary: £19,552 per year (£9.40 per hour inclusive of shift premium). Working hours: 40 per week. Shift pattern: Rotating shifts (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM), Monday to Friday.
Employer: Sharpak Bridgwater, part of the GUILLIN Group, a UK manufacturer of PET packaging with a focus on quality, sustainability, and service.
What will I be doing?
* Set up and operate plastic sheet extrusion machines and related equipment.
* Assist with installation and changeover of dies, screws, tooling, and calibration devices.
* Monitor machine parameters and adjust to maintain consistent product quality and efficiency.
* Perform regular quality checks using tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
* Record production data in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Identify and troubleshoot extrusion issues (e.g., die lines, thickness variation).
* Support preventative maintenance and carry out basic machine repairs.
* Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies.
* Work with supervisors, engineers, and quality control teams; support stock control, packaging, and general production operations.
* Mentor new team members and contribute to team development.
Qualifications, Skills, and Eligibility
* Willingness to learn how equipment works and to understand Health and Safety regulations in manufacturing.
* Ability to undertake various tasks to ensure smooth factory operation; basic computer skills for record-keeping.
* Self-motivated, able to work independently and in a team; focus on producing products to required standards.
* Flexibility to work rotational hours and adapt to different roles as needed; good timekeeping and organisation.
* Customer-focused attitude; professional and respectful to colleagues; teamwork and pride in work.
* Friendly and respectful attitude to people of all backgrounds; honesty and strong work ethic.
* Age 18+, eligible to work in the UK, and meeting UK apprenticeship eligibility rules (see below).
Please note: candidates must be aged 18+ due to the nature of the role.
Experience and Qualifications
* Experience is beneficial but not required; attitude and aptitude are prioritized.
* Apprenticeship structure: 24 months with a minimum of 6 hours per week on off-the-job training (theory and practical). Includes Level 3 Polymer Processing Technician apprenticeship with guidance from a Tiro tutor and Sharpak Bridgwater mentor.
* No requirement to attend university; salary earned during training; potential to progress to full-time roles on successful completion.
Eligibility Requirements
* UK Government apprenticeship eligibility: learning opportunity beyond current qualifications, upskilling or reskilling screening.
* If you already hold a Level 3, degree, or higher qualification in a closely related field, or have substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding.
* Must be over 18, not in full-time education, have lived in the UK for at least 3 years, and have the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply / Additional Information
There is potential for progression to a full-time position at Sharpak Bridgwater after successful completion of the apprenticeship.
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