Apprentice Toolmaker

West Pharmaceutical Services; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the medical manufacturing sector is seeking a motivated trainee toolmaker to learn and assist in manufacturing and assembly of tooling components. This role involves setting CNC machines, attending college to enhance engineering skills, and contributing to quality and cost objectives within a supportive environment focused on safety and learning.

Qualifications

• A formal engineering, technical design, maths or physics qualification at college level is required.
• Knowledge of engineering machinery and manual/CNC control systems is crucial.
• Strong mathematical aptitude and use of basic hand tools are essential.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate CNC and manual/lathes, grinders, and mills.
• Attend a technical college one day per week for engineering development.
• Support and contribute to Lean Sigma programs and activities.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering machinery

Knowledge of manual and CNC control systems

Strong aptitude for mathematics

Experience with mechanical systems

Proficient use of basic hand tools

Education

Formal engineering, technical design, maths or physics qualification at college level

NVQ / BTEC Level 2 or 3 in an engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

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In this role, you will learn to manufacture and assemble plastic injection & elastomer moulds, press-tools and other tooling components using a variety of machining and bench fitting techniques. You will set and operate a range of manual and CNC machines including mills, lathes and grinders.

You will demonstrate and use a learning mindset in order to acquire the basic and intermediate skills to meet the requirements of a toolmaker. Responsible for assisting more senior colleagues and managers to meet quality, delivery and cost objectives. You would 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop the ability to set & operate CNC and manual/hybrid lathes, grinders and mills and where possible work independently
• Attend a technical college one day per week to develop engineering and academic abilities and achieve accreditation in 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
• Familiarisation and development of 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 & 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 where appropriate resolve near miss accidents, incidents or HSE irregularities and prevent future occurrences
• Ensure that your work area(s) are always kept clean and tidy
• Ensure your 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
• Ensure any Company linked courses or training are completed on time and to the standard expected by the educational supplier and Company
• 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, Able 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