Tiro
Manufacturing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - AK Industries
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Location: Units 1, 2 Foxwood Ct, Hereford HR2 6JQ
Working for A K Industries
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 make plastic parts that are used in a wide range of important and demanding industries, including life sciences, defence, water management, consumer products and industrial applications. Many of the components we produce must be accurate, consistent and made to tight quality standards, so this is a great opportunity to learn real technical manufacturing skills in a professional production environment.
As an apprentice at A K Industries, you will be learning about polymer materials, injection moulding machines, mould tools, process control, quality inspection and continuous improvement. You will gain hands-on experience while working alongside skilled technicians, engineers and production teams who understand how to turn raw plastic material into finished components used by customers across the UK and beyond. We are a business that combines over four decades of moulding knowledge with modern technology, automation, data, quality systems and a strong focus on improvement. For someone who enjoys practical problem-solving, engineering, materials, machines and learning how things are made, A K Industries offers an excellent place to start and develop a career in advanced manufacturing.
Injection Moulding
Injection moulding is the process of heating thermoplastic material until it melts, then injecting it under pressure into a precision mould tool. Once the material has cooled and solidified, the mould opens and the finished component is ejected. It is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes for producing accurate, repeatable and high-volume plastic components, and it plays an important role in making products that people rely on every day.
About Company
The 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 a Manufacturing Technician Apprentice (Injection Moulding) to join our team at A K Industries. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to build a practical, technical career 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.
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The apprenticeship will give you a strong foundation in the polymer processing industry, combining structured training with hands-on experience in a real manufacturing environment.
As Part Of The Role, You Will
- 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 associated equipment.
- Work closely with production, quality, engineering and logistics teams to help 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 the quality of moulded components.
- Support routine maintenance activities and learn how equipment is maintained safely and effectively.
- Contribute to high standards of housekeeping, health and safety, and quality compliance.
- Build valuable teamwork and communication skills by working alongside experienced technicians, engineers and production professionals.
About You
You are practical, reliable and keen to learn. You enjoy hands-on work, like understanding how things are made, and are interested in developing real technical skills that can lead to a long-term career. You will be comfortable working in a busy manufacturing environment where safety, quality and consistency are important. You can follow instructions carefully, work to standard operating procedures, and take pride in doing things properly.
This role would suit someone who learns best by watching, doing and asking questions. An interest in engineering, machinery, materials, tools or manufacturing processes would be a real advantage, but you do not need to arrive as an expert — the apprenticeship is designed to help you learn and develop.
You should be reliable, punctual and comfortable working to a structured shift pattern. You will need to stay focused, work well as part of a team, and be motivated by building a skill or trade over time. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a stable role with clear expectations, practical training and the chance to become a valued technician in a precision manufacturing business.
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Please note: You must be 18+ due to the nature of the working environment and shift patterns.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
To Apply For This Apprenticeship, You Must
- 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, we’d still love to hear from you - get in touch and we can advise you further.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
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.
Learn more about the programme here.
Over 22 months, you’ll combine day-to-day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person training, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.
You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.
What your training will look like: You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands-on workplace training to build your skills step by step.
What could your future look like?
This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a polymer manufacturing technician and progress within the manufacturing industry.
Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to operate and optimise production processes, monitor performance, and respond to issues in real time. You’ll play a key role in maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency across manufacturing operations. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
You’ll gain experience that’s highly valued across a wide range of manufacturing and production roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise within polymer processing and related technical fields.
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