Manufacturing Technician Apprentice; Level 3

Full Time

About COBA

COBA Plastics Group is a leading global manufacturer specialising in high-quality extruded and moulded plastic solutions. Serving a diverse range of industries including automotive, healthcare, construction and industrial sectors, we are committed to delivering innovative, high-performance products.

At COBA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our collaborative culture and are driven by our core values of Care, Optimism, Belief and Adaptability.

We are looking for a motivated and hands-on individual to join our Manufacturing Team as a Manufacturing Technician Apprentice.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a Polymer Processing Technician, working towards the Level 3 Polymer Processing Technician apprenticeship standard.

In this role, you will support the manufacture of polymer-based automotive components, learning how to prepare materials, operate machinery, monitor production processes and carry out quality checks in a safe and efficient manufacturing environment.

You will gain practical, hands-on experience alongside structured training, helping to build a strong foundation for a long-term career in manufacturing or engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Polymer Processing & Production

• Assist with setting up, operating and monitoring polymer processing machinery (e.g. extrusion, injection moulding)
• Prepare raw materials and tooling in line with production instructions
• Monitor production processes and support basic adjustments to maintain product quality
• Support continuous and batch manufacturing activities

Quality & Compliance

• Carry out in-process and final quality checks to ensure products meet specifications
• Accurately record production and quality data
• Identify and report defects or process issues

Health, Safety & Environment

• Work in line with health and safety procedures and safe systems of work
• Use PPE correctly and follow environmental and sustainability practices

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with basic preventative maintenance tasks
• Support continuous improvement initiatives such as 5S and waste reduction

Team working & Communication

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across manufacturing and support functions
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders
• Complete all on- and off-the-job learning requirements
• Build a portfolio of evidence and prepare for end-point assessment (EPA)

• GCSEs in English and Mathematics, or willingness to achieve them as part of the apprenticeship
• Interest in manufacturing, engineering or polymer processing
• Willingness to commit to a 36-month apprenticeship
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely
• Strong work ethic, reliability and willingness to learn
• GCSE in Science, Engineering or a related subject
• Previous exposure to a manufacturing or technical environment
• Interest in automotive or polymer-based products

Personal Attributes

• Good attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Practical and hands-on approach
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Positive attitude and adaptability
• Awareness of health, safety and environmental responsibilities

Hours of Work

Monday to Thursday: 08:30 – 17:00

Friday: 08:30 – 16:00

39 hours per week (including a 30-minute lunch break)

Our Values

At COBA, we live by our core values:

Care – Whatever we do, we do it with care

Optimism – Our ambition and positivity drive us forward

Belief – We believe in our people and our business

Adaptability – We embrace change and continuously improve

Onsite gym

Royal London Pension Scheme

Company-provided financial advice

Employee Assistance Programme

24-hour GP service

Cycle to Work scheme

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application via the Government apprenticeship service:

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