Injection Moulding Technician Apprentice; Level 3 - AK Industries

Injection Moulding Technician Apprentice (Level
3) - AK Industries

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Polymer Processing Technician L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Herefordshire

Compensation: £27,000 - £31,000 / year

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 make plastic parts 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 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.

• 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

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for an Injection Moulding Technician Apprentice 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.

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.

• 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…