Electroplating Technician Apprentice; Level 3 - Stainless Plating Limited; SPL

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Process Industries Manufacturing Technician (Chemical) L3

Location: Sheffield

Compensation: £9.83 - £12.71 / hour

Location:

24 Don Rd, Sheffield, S9 2UB

Working for SPL Stainless Plating Limited (SPL) is a long-established company based in Sheffield, with over 95 years of experience in precision surface engineering and metal finishing. We work with major industries like aerospace, defence, electronics, and oil & gas, providing high-quality electroplating, anodising, and coating services. As an apprentice with SPL, you’ll gain hands-on experience in our purpose-built facility, learning techniques such as anodising, chromate conversion, hard chrome plating, and non-destructive testing (NDT).

You’ll also develop practical skills in quality assurance and get the chance to work on projects for industry leaders like Rolls-Royce and Airbus. We’re committed to sustainability and responsible practices, holding accreditations like AS9100 Rev D, NADCAP, and ISO 14001. This is a great opportunity to start your career with a company that values quality, innovation, and long-term development.

• Starting hourly rate of £9.83 to £12.71 depending on age
• 38 hours per week
• Monday to Thursday, 7:45am - 4:15pm;
  Friday, 7:00am - 1:00pm
• 23 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Company Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cashplan

As an Electroplating Technician Apprentice you will learn how to carry out chemical surface treatments according to customer requirements and industry standards. You will gain hands-on experience in jigging and wiring parts, maintaining treatment solutions and equipment, and conducting in-process inspections to ensure quality finishes.

• Perform chemical surface treatments following customer specifications and work instructions.
• Prepare components by jigging and wiring to prevent damage during processing.
• Clean and maintain treatment solutions, equipment, and the workspace throughout each shift.
• Carry out daily checks and complete relevant logs and records accurately.
• Review job packs (including route cards and drawings) before commencing treatment.
• Conduct in-process inspections according to work instructions and inspect finished components for quality.
• Record all processes and data on AeroDNA, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Take solution samples for laboratory analysis and make necessary adjustments based on results.
• Report any issues with equipment, plant, or solutions to the Line Manager promptly.
• Support other areas of the business when not engaged in main treatment activities.

As an Electroplating Apprentice, your journey at Stainless Plating Limited is the first step toward building a successful career in surface engineering and metal finishing. Through practical, hands-on training, you will gain the technical expertise needed to perform electroplating processes safely and efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality standards. In this role, you will play a key part in driving continuous improvements in production efficiency and quality assurance.

As you develop your skills, you will also take personal responsibility for your own professional growth, gaining valuable experience in operating plating equipment, conducting inspections, and maintaining treatment solutions.

Over time, you will have the opportunity to progress into more specialised technical roles or even supervisory positions, taking ownership of production processes and gaining expertise in health, safety, and environmental compliance. You may also become involved in quality management and process optimisation, contributing to cost efficiency and innovation within the business. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with Stainless Plating Limited.

Our team is at the heart of our success, and we are looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With commitment and dedication, successful apprentices have the potential to secure full-time positions and advance their careers within the company. This apprenticeship offers a solid foundation for…