Processing Technician Apprentice

Department:
Science Apprenticeship - Polymer Processing Technician L3

Location:
Aylesbury

Compensation:
£21,000 - £24,000 / year

Description
Location:
Unit 1 Woodham Industrial Estate, Creighton Road, Woodham, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0QE

Working for Aylesbury Granulation
Aylesbury Granulation is an independent, family-run plastic recycling company based in Buckinghamshire. Since 2011, they have specialised in processing segregated rigid plastic waste into high-quality regrinds for reuse in manufacturing across the UK.

With a strong focus on sustainability, quality, and reliability, they help businesses turn plastic waste into valuable raw material—reducing landfill use and supporting the circular economy. Their small, dedicated team ensures every batch is handled with care, maintaining strict standards of cleanliness and quality.

The Package

• Starting salary of £21,000 to £24,000 a year depending on experience
• Workings hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm (Monday to Friday)
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
• Clear pathway to future plant management
• On-site parking

What will I be doing as an apprentice?
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Recycling Operative to join our small, dynamic team, supporting day-to-day production operations and assisting with the processing and granulation of waste plastics to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output.

This role provides a strong foundation for a career in the plastics recycling industry, offering opportunities to develop practical factory skills, problem-solving abilities, and operational knowledge in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Summary of duties:

• Operate recycling machinery, including granulating and shredding, to process a range of rigid plastic materials such as buckets, bins, crates, and manufacturing scrap.
• Feed plastic waste safely and efficiently onto conveyors to maintain consistent production flow.
• Monitor machinery during operation and perform basic troubleshooting to prevent downtime.
• Move materials between the yard and processing unit using appropriate handling equipment.
• Change, weigh, and label bags of finished regrind to meet production and quality standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work area at all times.
• Complete production records and paperwork accurately.
• Work collaboratively with the team to ensure smooth operation and achieve production targets.
• Take ownership of the process and, once trained, run the line independently.
• Adhere to all health and safety procedures and company policies.
• Operate a forklift to move materials around the site (training can be provided for candidates without a experience).

Please note: This is a very hands on/physical role. You must be 18+ to apply due to insurance purposes.
What could the future look like?
When you join Aylesbury Granulation, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship. The company is seeking an apprentice with the goal of developing a long-term team member following the successful completion of the apprenticeship, as part of their ongoing succession planning.

Through practical training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for manufacturing and process operations. This apprenticeship programme serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in polymer processing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science or Engineering Technician (RSci/Eng Tech).

This apprenticeship offers opportunities for professional growth, enabling you to specialise in areas such as process optimisation, quality control, or equipment maintenance, and to progress into supervisory or leadership roles within the polymer manufacturing environment.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
You are a motivated and reliable individual with a strong work ethic and excellent attention to detail. You take responsibility for your work, are punctual, and have the initiative to work independently as a self-starter. You are committed to doing a job thoroughly and safely, taking pride in the quality of your work.

This is a very hands-on and practical role, so you must be physically fit and comfortable with demanding manual work. The role involves moving and handling heavy materials, feeding machinery, operating conveyors, changing bags of finished product, and maintaining a busy production line. You should be confident working in a factory environment where you may be exposed to both hotter and colder temperatures and need stamina and resilience to keep up with a fast-paced workflow.

You enjoy practical, tangible tasks and take satisfaction from seeing the results of your efforts. Being responsible, reliable, and consistent is crucial, as is maintaining a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency throughout your work.

Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous manufacturing experience can be helpful, it's not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career.

You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you're enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you'll fit right in.

Some previous factory experience would be beneficial to your application.

Qualifications
It's about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don't already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role

So how does the apprenticeship work?
Over 24 months, you'll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on 'off the job' training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Polymer Processing Technician apprenticeship.

You'll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Aylesbury Granulation
who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you'll need to succeed in your career.Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you'll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.

The best part? You'll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme

Eligibility
While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you'll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.

If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.

You'll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

Please note: This is a very hands on/physical role. You must be 18+ to apply due to insurance purposes.
If you don't quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you're interested here and we'll get in touch to discuss this further with you.