Production - Technical Operator Apprentice

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Production Technical Apprentice. You will be expected to carry out your work safely and meet quality standards that are required within Production. You will work alongside the teams to optimise the process and develop into a multi-skilled operator through process ownership.

Annual wage: £16,363 a year

25 days annual leave, three paid days leave for community, charitable, or voluntary commitments, 7% employer pension contribution, Level 3 Westfield Cashplan Healthcare, Income Protection.

Training course: Lean manufacturing operative

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.00am - 3.30pm. 40 hours a week

Start date: Monday 1 September 2025

Duration: 18 Months

Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

The post holder will be undertaking the Level two Apprenticeship standard of the lean manufacturing operatives and will be required to carry out manufacturing activities as well as autonomous maintenance activities consecutively whilst working towards Apprentice level two standard. You will also gain a full understanding of the technical aspect of production.

Main Responsibilities:

• Follow company Health and Safety procedures to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Support production to ensure the smooth running of the Boardline processes within our plasterboard manufacturing plant.
• Daily duties will include:
• Machine Operation
• Testing of all materials
• Understanding and learning of the Boardline process; the process of converting stucco to forming board
• Communication issues with the team and other production teams on site
• Working to set KPI’s.
• Working to tight deadlines, in fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Learning other production processes around the Knauf site
• Carrying out autonomous maintenance tasks
• Learning the technical aspect of making plasterboard
• Demonstrate your ability to carry out the role effectively, efficiently while flexibly maintaining lean manufacturing principles to meet demand.
• Demonstrate skill and knowledge following SOP’s and build knowledge of the plant.
• Identify and resolve problems within the lean manufacturing environment, using effective problem-solving tools and techniques. Manage problems that may occur during the manufacturing process within the limits of their responsibility and escalate as appropriate.
• Maintain workplace standards using CI methodology.
• Demonstrate appropriate process documentation control and testing regime.
• Direct involvement in training opportunities to develop self and plant knowledge.
• Demonstrate a willingness to meet and exceed KPI’s.

Where you’ll work

Knauf UK GmbH, Kemsley Fields Business Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8SR

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

Your training course

Lean manufacturing operative, equal to Level 2 (GCSE)

Your training plan

This Apprenticeship Standard is delivered within the workplace, where the Apprentice will complete a Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative competency and knowledge qualification. IPS will support and train the learner through the component aims with monthly monitoring and assessment visits to the workplace. This will prepare the learner for End Point Assessment that is required for this Apprenticeship.

To complete this Apprenticeship, the learner must pass Level 1 English and maths (or have the appropriate transferable skills).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

• GCSE English, Maths and Science (Grade 4/C and above) essential

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Team working
• Enthusiastic
• Willing to learn
• Independent
• Interest in Production

Other requirements

Enrolment onto your apprenticeship programme is subject to prior attainment checks, and your Personal Learning Record will be reviewed upon successful appointment. We are also obligated to follow the guidelines around eligibility, set out by the government apprenticeship funding rules. NB: Please include minimum qualifications (GCSE Maths and English grades) in your apprenticeship application. Tailor your application to the vacancy, dedicating 1-2 paragraphs for each question to demonstrate interest in the role and the company.

About this company

Knauf is a multinational company specialising in building materials, in the UK, we are primarily focused on plasterboard and drylining systems. Knauf UK serves the construction industry with innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability and high-quality standards. In terms of its Employee Value Proposition (EVP), Knauf UK offers a supportive work environment where personal and professional growth is encouraged. The company is committed to diversity, inclusivity, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Employees are provided with opportunities for development, competitive benefits, and the chance to contribute to industry-leading projects.