
Injection Moulding Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - AK Industries
Job Description
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
Description
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.
- 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
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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
- 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
Please note: You must be 18+ due to the nature of the working environment and shift patterns.
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
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?
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.
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.