Composite Technician Apprenticeship

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Composite Technician Apprenticeship

Apply Now - Close Date: 27th February

Scheme Purpose

Our four-year Composite Technician Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on experience at our specialist Composites Division in Clevedon, Somerset, with classroom learning at Weston College.

You will play a key role in using advanced materials to manufacture components for our executive passenger seating.

Gain specialist skills across design, tooling, moulding, lay-up, curing, machining, inspection, testing, repair and material production, developing expertise that supports cutting-edge manufacturing programmes and prepares you for a rewarding career in a high-growth industry.

Location(s): Clevedon, Somerset

Scheme Length: 4 Year

Details

Qualifications Gained

• Level 2 NVQ – Composites Engineering
• Level 3 NVQ – Composites Engineering
• Level 3 BTEC – Composites Engineering

Entry Requirements

• Open to applicants aged 16 or over
• An interest in composite materials and engineering
• Willingness to learn new skills
• 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (c) or equivalent, including Mathematics and English

How to apply

1. Download and complete the Apprenticeship Application Form
2. Email your completed form to trainingcentre@ipeco.com
3. Await an invitation to take part in the interview process

Content

Year 1

• Induction and Basic Training: Initial induction and basic training in areas such as bench fitting skills, and manual machining (mill and lathe).
• Classroom Learning: Off-the-job training at a college to work towards a Level 3 Engineering qualification or Technical Diploma.
• Core Practical Activities:
  • Learning and adhering to health and safety procedures
  • Reading and interpreting technical drawings and work instructions
  • Organizing and preparing materials and mould tools
  • Conducting basic composite pre-processing activities
  • Maintaining the work area (housekeeping)
  • Completing basic manufacturing documentation (digital or paper-based)

Year 2

• Advanced Practical Application: Transition from basic skills to conducting specific composite processing activities
• Hands-on Manufacturing: Applying laminates to moulds, preparing for and starting curing processes (vacuum bagging, resin infusion, autoclave curing)
• Quality Assurance: Following quality control processes during manufacture, such as checking for contaminants and recording batch numbers
• Equipment Management: Selecting, checking, and operating a wider range of hand tools, equipment, and machinery, including calibration records
• Problem Solving: Identifying basic issues and escalating them to supervisors when necessary

Year 3

• Complex Work: Manufacturing more geometrically complex parts and potentially operating more automated machinery
• Proactive Maintenance: Carrying out maintenance on machines or equipment as part of preventative maintenance plans
• Problem Identification & Solution: Investigating problems to identify underlying causes and proposing solutions
• Team Work and Planning: Assisting in the planning and preparation of manufacturing programs and collaborating effectively within teams
• Documentation and Communication: Mastering documentation requirements and communicating effectively with colleagues and other functions
• Focus on Efficiency: Actively participating in continuous improvement and waste reduction activities