Manufacturing technician apprentice (level 3) - ak industries

Overview

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Polymer Processing Technician L3
Location: Herefordshire
Compensation: £27,000 - £31,000 / year

Description

Location: Units 1, 2 Foxwood Ct, Hereford HR2 6JQ

A K Industries is an established UK precision plastic injection moulder based in Hereford, with over 40 years’ experience in manufacturing high-quality technical plastic components. We produce parts used in life sciences, defence, water management, consumer products and industrial applications. The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in polymer materials, injection moulding, mould tools, process control, quality inspection and continuous improvement, working with skilled technicians, engineers and production teams.

Injection moulding is the process of heating thermoplastic material until it melts, then injecting it under pressure into a precision mould tool. After cooling and solidification, the mould opens and the finished component is ejected. This process is widely used for producing accurate, repeatable and high-volume plastic components.

Package

• Salary: £27,000 – £31,000 per year
• Shift allowance: £3,000 per year
• Hours: 38.75 hours per week on a rotating three-shift pattern: 5:45am – 2:00pm; 1:45pm – 10:00pm; 9:45pm – 6:00am
• Benefits include:
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Occupational sick pay and family pay
• Company bonus scheme
• Health care cash plan
• Structured apprenticeship training and on-the-job development
• Opportunity to build a long-term technical career in polymer processing and manufacturing

Key Responsibilities

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for an Injection Moulding Technician Apprentice to join our team at A K Industries. This role provides practical, technical training in advanced manufacturing. You will support day-to-day production operations while learning how injection moulding machines, mould tools, polymer materials and production processes work together to produce high-quality plastic components.

The apprenticeship combines structured training with hands-on experience in a real manufacturing environment.

• Learn how to prepare raw materials, set up equipment and support injection moulding production processes.
• Assist with tool changes, machine start-ups and production changeovers to support efficient manufacturing operations.
• Gain experience operating and monitoring moulding machines, robotics and related equipment.
• Collaborate with production, quality, engineering and logistics teams to maintain product quality and meet customer requirements.
• Develop troubleshooting and problem-solving skills by supporting process improvements and corrective actions.
• Learn how process settings, materials, tooling and machine conditions affect moulded component quality.
• Support routine maintenance activities and learn safe, effective equipment maintenance.
• Contribute to high standards of housekeeping, health and safety, and quality compliance.
• Build teamwork and communication skills by working with experienced technicians, engineers and production professionals.

About You

You are practical, reliable and keen to learn. You enjoy hands-on work and are interested in developing real technical skills for a long-term career. You should be comfortable in a busy manufacturing environment where safety, quality and consistency matter. You can follow instructions, work to standard operating procedures, and take pride in doing things properly.

This role suits someone who learns best by watching, doing and asking questions. An interest in engineering, machinery, materials, tools or manufacturing processes is helpful, but the apprenticeship is designed for development.

You should be reliable, punctual and comfortable working to a structured shift pattern. Stay focused, work well in a team, and be motivated by building a skill or trade over time. This is a stable role with clear expectations, practical training and the chance to become a valued technician in a precision manufacturing business.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

To apply for this apprenticeship you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 or over
• Not be in full-time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK

Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, you should contact us for guidance.

Programme Details

Start your career as a polymer manufacturing technician and gain hands-on experience supporting production in a modern manufacturing environment. As part of this Level 3 Polymer Processing Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to set up, run, and monitor polymer processing equipment, control materials and processes, and contribute to producing high-quality plastic and rubber products.

You will spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities and applied assignments.

Training includes live sessions, online learning and hands-on workplace training, with guidance from a dedicated workplace mentor.

You will have opportunities to progress within the manufacturing industry and, upon completion, may gain professional recognition such as RSciTech.

Expect to gain experience valued across manufacturing and production roles, enabling further growth within polymer processing and related technical fields.