Apprentice

CooperVision; Park Gate; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Healthcare cover

Life assurance

LinkedIn Learning

Discounted contact lens scheme

Wellness Platform

Job summary

CooperVision invites you to a four-year Engineering Apprenticeship Programme designed to build a career in advanced manufacturing. You’ll work with cutting-edge technology, learn CNC machining, metrology, fault diagnosis, and quality inspection, gaining nationally recognised qualifications including an Engineering Operative Level 2 certificate.

You will develop hands-on skills in setting up and operating CNC lathes, measuring with precision instruments, tooling, and documentation while

Qualifications

• Keen interest in engineering, manufacturing, and high-precision machinery.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Positive attitude, eagerness to learn, proactive problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture and maintain high-precision optical tooling to exacting standards.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC lathes and workshop equipment.
• Use advanced metrology and inspection technology to verify components.

Skills

Engineering interest

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

IT skills

Education

GCSEs (incl English & Maths)

Tools

CNC machinery

Metrology equipment

Optoform lathe

Hardinge lathe

Job description

Join our exciting 4 year Engineering Apprenticeship Programme and build a career in advanced manufacturing while earning nationally recognised qualifications, including an Engineering Operative Level 2 certification. As an Apprentice, you'll gain hands on experience working with cutting edge technology, precision tooling, and specialist manufacturing processes that help produce world class contact lenses. You'll develop skills in CNC machining, tool making, metrology, fault diagnosis, and quality inspection, while learning from experienced engineers in a highly technical environment. Throughout the programme, you will:

• Manufacture and maintain high-precision optical tooling to exacting quality standards.
• Learn to set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC lathes and workshop equipment.
• Use advanced measuring and inspection technology, including microscopes and metrology systems.
• Develop practical machining and toolmaking skills using both manual and automated processes.
• Support production by delivering high-quality components safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Contribute ideas that help improve manufacturing processes and drive continuous improvement.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop specialist engineering skills, work with industry-leading technology, and become part of a team dedicated to innovation and manufacturing excellence. Knowledge, Skills and training to be provided throughout the apprenticeship Set up, programme and operate advanced CNC machinery, including Optoform and Hardinge lathes, to manufacture precision optical tooling. Produce tooling inserts and plugs to extremely high tolerances and optical quality standards. Carry out inspections using advanced metrology equipment, including interferometers, shadowgraphs, microscopes and radius measurement systems. Use precision measuring instruments such as micrometres, gauges and vernier callipers to verify component accuracy. Operate specialist equipment including laser etching, laser systems and EDM machinery. Support equipment validation, calibration and continuous improvement activities. Perform fitting, assembly and basic pneumatic system work as required. Use hand tools and finishing techniques to achieve exceptional surface quality. Produce technical documentation and reports to support manufacturing and quality activities. Work safely, collaboratively and flexibly to meet production, quality and business objectives.

What the working environment looks like;

• The job operates within a tool room that contains 15-20 different machines. This is an air-conditioned, temperature-controlled environment where standards of cleanliness must be maintained to high levels.
• The job holder must wear protective clothing in the form of safety glasses, overall and safety shoes for certain function.
• There is a controlled exposure to cleaning chemicals and solvents.
• Controlled exposure to working with high voltage and high current equipment.
• Controlled exposure to working with class IV laser system.
• The work involves high precision engineering with very fine tolerances and is therefore mentally demanding.
• Dynamically changing environment due to technology developments across cooper vision global.
• The understanding of health and safety requirements especially relating to lathe machinery and laser, (class3A-4) systems.

We're looking for a motivated and career focused individual with a hands on approach to learning and a genuine passion for engineering. You'll be eager to develop new skills, work collaboratively as part of a team, and take pride in delivering high-quality work.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• A keen interest in engineering, manufacturing, and high-precision machinery.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing work to a high standard.
• A positive attitude, enthusiasm to learn, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Basic IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade 5/C or above), including English Language and Maths.
• Further study in an Engineering or Scientific discipline would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Previous experience in tooling, injection moulding, Optoform lathes, or a manufacturing environment is beneficial but not required.
• Knowledge of contact lens manufacturing or development processes would be advantageous.

This apprenticeship is ideal for someone who is ambitious, curious, and ready to combine academic learning with practical engineering experience to build a rewarding long-term career.

Internal applicants Only

What we offer:

• competitive compensation
• 25 days holiday
• pension scheme
• healthcare cover
• life assurance
• access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing
• a discounted contact lens scheme
• and much more!
• access to LinkedIn Learning

We are committed to our employees' personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we will give you everything you need to help you achieve yours. We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.