Apprentice Toolmaker

Job Summary

In our Toolmaker role, you will learn to manufacture and assemble high-quality plastic injection & elastomer moulds, press-tools, and other tooling components using a variety of machining and bench fitting techniques. You will be responsible for setting and operating a range of manual and CNC machines, including mills, lathes, and grinders.

As a key member of our team, you will demonstrate and use a learning mindset to acquire the basic and intermediate skills required to meet the demands of a toolmaker. You will assist more senior colleagues and managers to meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives. You will also be expected to be receptive to the learning opportunities that the role and environment present.

You will comply with the company's safety, environmental, and quality policies at all times.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop the ability to set and operate CNC and manual/hybrid lathes, grinders, and mills, working independently where possible
• Attend a technical college one day per week to develop engineering and academic abilities and achieve accreditation in a relevant course
• Complete all coursework and practical workpieces to a good standard and in a timely manner as required by the college
• Develop the ability to assemble, disassemble, and inspect a range of mould and press tools
• Familiarize yourself with and develop hand tool skills relevant to an engineering environment
• Learn and develop problem-solving abilities related to the repair, maintenance, and modification of existing tooling
• Comply with all corporate and local site Health and Safety, Environmental, and Quality policies, procedures, and regulations
• Understand and comply with appropriate process control plans
• Understand and comply with all machine instructions and ensure proper use of equipment and assets
• Understand and comply with process work instructions, maintenance, and safety schedules
• Develop skills to read and understand engineering drawings and develop knowledge of design principles
• Act in accordance with the Company's Code of Conduct and Guiding Principles
• Carry out HSE and Workplace Inspections
• Report and resolve near miss accidents, incidents, or HSE irregularities, and prevent future occurrences
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area and ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is used and maintained correctly
• Be receptive to improvement opportunities and show a learning mindset to actively develop processes to increase automation and utilization of equipment
• Support and contribute to Lean Sigma programs and activities
• Support the business in meeting all quality, delivery, and cost objectives
• Report issues, problems, or irregularities within your area of control and escalate matters where required via the LDMS escalation process
• Complete Company-linked courses or training on time and to the standard expected by the educational supplier and Company
• Perform other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Required: A formal engineering, technical design, maths, or physics qualification at college level, or significant relevant experience and knowledge in an engineering environment
• Desirable: NVQ/BTEC Level 2 or 3 in an engineering discipline

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Required: Knowledge of engineering machinery, mills, and lathes; knowledge of manual and CNC control systems; strong aptitude for mathematics and technical processes; experience and knowledge of mechanical systems, including use of basic hand tools; ability to provide own transportation to attend college and other training requirements; experienced and conversant PC user
• Desirable: Experience in using engineering machinery; experience in technical drawing disciplines, 3D modelling, or engineering software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar; knowledge of mould and press tools and their applications; knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous materials and their properties