Relevant Polymer Apprentice Standards
Below is a list of some of the apprenticeship standards relevant for companies in the plastics industry.
The below list was published in September 2017 and new standards will be approved over time. More information can also be found at the following links...
A compreshensivce list of all approved apprenticeship standards (Source: Gov.uk)
Standard Development Landscape (Source: Cogent)
Interactive Occupational Map (Source: Cogent)
For more information on the apprentice levy see Frequently Asked Questions section
Note: For information on 'Funding Bands' click here
Automotive Apprenticeships |
Level |
Description of Job Role |
Find a Provider |
Science Manufacturing Process Operative |
2 |
This level 2 apprenticeship typically is used for those looking for a role in the manufacture of polymers. Apprentices progress on a pathway to work as a process operator, performing a variety of tasks ranging from operating machines to construction, assembly and finishing of component parts and finished products. These may range from plastic and rubber parts for cars to power boat hulls made from carbon fibre. |
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Lean Manufacturing Operative |
2 |
A Lean Manufacturing Operative will be expected to carry out their work safely and meet the exacting quality standards demanded in a fast paced and efficient processing environment and develop into a multi-skilled operator through process ownership. A lean manufacturing operative can be required to carry out manufacturing activities on multiple products with different specifications consecutively e.g. automotive manufacturing. They will prepare, control, contribute to and complete manufacturing operations, and follow manufacturing processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) whilst adhering to specific safe working policies & procedures. They will be responsible for maintaining Health & Safety requirements at all times e.g. wearing correct Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) correct use of equipment and tooling, safe stopping and resetting of machinery, maintain an organised work area e.g. 5s (Sifting, Sorting, Sweeping, Spick & Span and Sustain) ensuring the safe disposal of waste in line with environmental systems and regulatory requirements (ISO 14001). |
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Science Manufacturing Technician |
3 |
This level 3 apprenticeship typically is used for those in a role manufacturing plastics/polymers. Apprentices progress on a pathway to work as a Process Technician, ensuring that the processing operations of the company are operating with full effectiveness. They apply proven techniques and procedures to solve processing problems and improve operations. They will be involved with introducing new materials, products, tooling and process technology into the manufacturing process and are responsible for ensuring that these are implemented quickly and efficiently. They also work in new product development projects, developing all the operating settings for equipment and processing machinery and solving any processing problems before formal handover to production. They work in any of the different industries that utilise polymeric materials to manufacture component parts or products – plastics, rubber or composites. |
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Manufacturing Engineering Technician |
4 |
Engineering Manufacturing Technicians gather information and data from a range of sources and analyse the information/data. They will make decisions, solve problems and produce and/or update technical documentation, reports or specifications covering areas such as quality, reliability, production schedules/targets, costing or other technical documentation that informs others, either internally or externally what needs to be done such as how a product must be designed, manufactured, tested, modified, maintained, stored, transported, commissioned or decommissioned. |
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Product Design and Development Engineer |
6 |
Product Design & Development Engineers work on all stages of product creation, product modification and product componentry. They support activities ranging on early concept feasibility, Computer Aided Design and other modelling, activities and stages through to final preparation for launch and customers. This includes working in concept studios, rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and analysing performance. Typically they work closely with suppliers and managers in bring new concepts to life or contributing to redesigns of existing products. |
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Manufacturing Engineer (Degree) |
6 |
Manufacturing Engineers primarily support the activities involved in bringing design programmes into manufacture. This role is pivotal to the launch planning and smooth delivery of exciting new products or product refresh programmes. The focus is on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch products on time, on cost and to the right quality. Typically Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of other engineers, functions and managers both within their own company and supplier base. |
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Manufacturing Apprenticeships |
Level |
Description of Job Role |
Find a Provider |
Polymer Processing Apprenticeship Level 2 |
2 |
This level 2 apprenticeship typically is used for those looking for a role in the manufacture of plastics/polymers. Apprentices progress on a pathway to work as a process operator, performing a variety of tasks ranging from operating machines to construction, assembly and finishing of component parts and finished products. These may range from plastic and rubber parts for cars to power boat hulls made from carbon fibre. N.B. The official title of this apprenticeship is Science Manufacturing Process Operative |
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Polymer Manufacturing Apprenticeship Level 3 |
3 |
This level 3 apprenticeship typically is used for those in a role manufacturing plastics/polymers. Apprentices progress on a pathway to work as a Process Technician, ensuring that the processing operations of the company are operating with full effectiveness. They apply proven techniques and procedures to solve processing problems and improve operations. They will be involved with introducing new materials, products, tooling and process technology into the manufacturing process and are responsible for ensuring that these are implemented quickly and efficiently. They also work in new product development projects, developing all the operating settings for equipment and processing machinery and solving any processing problems before formal handover to production. They work in any of the different industries that utilise polymeric materials to manufacture component parts or products – plastics, rubber or composites. N.B. The official title of this apprenticeship is Science Manufacturing Process Technician |
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Design Apprenticeships |
Level |
Description of Job Role |
Find a Provider |
Manufacturing Engineer Level 5 |
5 |
Manufacturing Engineers primarily support the activities involved in bringing design programmes into manufacture. This role is pivotal to the launch planning and smooth delivery of exciting new products or product refresh programmes. The focus is on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch products on time, on cost and to the right quality. Typically Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of other engineers, functions and managers both within their own company and supplier base. |
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Product Design & Development (degree) Level 6 |
6 |
Product Design & Development Engineers work on all stages of product creation, product modification and product componentry. They support activities ranging on early concept feasibility, Computer Aided Design and other modelling, activities and stages through to final preparation for launch and customers. This includes working in concept studios, rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and analysing performance. |
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Operational / Management Apprenticeships |
Level |
Description of Job Role |
Find a Provider |
Process Leader Apprenticeship Level 4 |
4 |
Process Leaders are found in organisations with high volume manufacturing or advanced manufacturing processes in which large volumes of products are made in assembly e.g. plastic parts moulding. The broad purpose of this occupation is to undertake and direct production activities and operations and deliver against core production Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Process Leaders effectively lead and manage large teams as well as providing technical/specialist input and direction to their own team and to others. |
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Manufacturing Manager (degree) Level 6 |
6 |
The broad purpose of the occupation is oversee the manufacturing process to make sure that performance output meets customer expectations and is cost-effective. This will include planning manufacturing schedules, monitoring operations and quality assurance. Manufacturing Managers may work for organisations of all sizes, overseeing an entire manufacturing plant or a specific area of production; producing one or multiple products, products of high or low value, bespoke items or items produced at scale. |
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For more information on where these apprenticeships can lead, head over to our Career Pathways to find out!