Polymer Processing
What does a career in Polymer Processing involve?
This Apprenticeship deals with the manufacture and production of polymer and synthetic substances such as plastic, nylon and PVC. Plastic is incredibly versatile and can be made from different ingredients, moulded into any shape, and put to a huge range of uses across industry and the rest of society, from carrier bags to electrical cables. It’s no surprise that the polymer industry is one of the most important areas of manufacturing in the UK.
While many household items from bags to CDs are plastic, it’s also produced for larger-scale items – cars, aeroplanes, and even space shuttles all contain plastic parts. One factory is likely to produce many different kinds of plastic items.
As an apprentice, you’ll work in either a factory or workshop setting and learn how to mass-produce plastic items. You’ll weigh and mix raw materials; learn about the production process; test products; maintain machinery; and make sure items are made on time and without wasting materials.
On the Advanced Apprenticeship, you could take on a supervisory role and work as a polymer engineer, production technician, estimator or laboratory assistant.
Production requires practical skills. You’ll need to work quickly on complicated tasks, use numeracy skills to mix materials, and have an eye for detail.
What type of Job Role can this lead to?
- Process Operative
- Quality Control Inspector
- Signmaker
- Sign Installer
- Finishing & Assembly Operative
What do I need to start?
1. Previous qualifications/training
No previous qualifications required, however you will be required to take a Key Skills initial assessment based on literacy and numeracy and attend a college interview.
2. A Job
You will need to have a marketing related job and be employed for a minimum of 16.5 hours every week.
What will I get out of it?
1. Earnings
The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £2.50 per hour, however research has found that Apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week. Research also shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.
The starting salary (once qualified) is £17,000 - £25,000 (Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
2. Prospects
Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.
How much does an Apprenticeship cost?
The government cover the full cost of training for 16-18 year olds and contribute towards costs for those aged 19 or above.
How do I apply?
Information here >>
Not sure if an Apprenticeship is right for you?
Call Employer Services on 01902 317691 for more information