Coatings Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Peerless Coatings

Tiro; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Coatings Technician Apprentice, where you'll gain hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of coating application while working with cutting-edge technology. You'll be part of a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality products and solutions. With a structured training program and the potential for a full-time role upon completion, this is your chance to kickstart a rewarding career in a thriving industry. If you're eager to learn and ready to make an impact, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Paid Overtime

160 Hours Annual Leave

Bonus Day Off on Birthday

Training and CPD Opportunities

Additional Leave for Long Service

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key for this apprenticeship.
• Hands-on experience with tools and technical equipment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Prepare surfaces and apply coatings to manufactured products.
• Monitor application processes and conduct quality assurance tests.
• Maintain equipment and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Health and Safety Awareness

Problem-Solving

Education

No specific qualifications required

Tools

Coating Equipment

Spray Guns

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Science Manufacturing Technician (Aseptic/Biotech) L3

Location: Bury St Edmunds

Compensation: £20,800 - £25,396 / year

Description

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Thetford IP24 1HZ

Working for Peerless Coatings

Peerless Coatings are specialists in protective hard coatings — making products tougher, more durable, and longer-lasting. Our mission? To deliver flexible, tailor-made coating solutions that boost chemical and abrasion resistance, extend product life, and support sustainability. Whether it's through design, R&D, supply, or full-scale production, we handle it all under one roof.

From initial concept to final delivery, we manage the entire process — offering not only premium hard coatings for a variety of plastic substrates but also additional in-house services like injection moulding, digital and screen printing, spray painting, and CNC routing. Our global network gives us access to a wide range of plastics and materials, and our team of experts thrives on problem-solving and product innovation.

We are now looking for a Coatings Technician Apprentice (Level 3) to join our team!

The Package

• Starting salary: £20,800 - £25,396 per annum (National Minimum Wage, dependent on age)
• Paid overtime available
• Working hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, 10 hour shifts
• 160 hours annual leave + bank holidays
• A day off on your birthday!
• 1 bonus day of leave for every 5 years of service
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

A Coating Operator in the manufacturing industry is a critical role focused on applying coatings to various manufactured products. These coatings might be protective, decorative, or functional, and are added during different stages of production. The function of Coating Operators is essential for ensuring product durability, resistance, and compliance with industry standards. Operating within a precise and regulated environment, they must accurately follow formulated procedures and maintain a high standard of safety and cleanliness.

The main duties of a Coating Operator include preparing coatings, setting up and operating coating equipment, and ensuring the quality control of finished products. Operators are also responsible for maintaining the equipment, performing regular checks and troubleshooting any issues that arise during the coating process. Accurate record-keeping and adherence to safety protocols are essential tasks that contribute to the operational efficiency and compliance of the manufacturing facility.

• Prepare surfaces by cleaning and applying adhesives or other preparations required before coating.
• Select, mix, and prepare the coating substances based on specific job requirements.
• Set up spray guns.
• Monitor the application process to ensure even distribution of coatings.
• Conduct quality assurance tests to verify thickness, adherence, and consistency of the coat.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to comply with health and safety regulations.
• Record process parameters and results accurately in the production logs for quality control purposes.
• Identify and troubleshoot process or equipment problems to minimize downtime and waste.

What could the future look like?

There's no limit to what you can achieve while working with Peerless Coatings. Their team is at the core of their success, and they're looking for someone who wants to make a long-term impact. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position with the business upon completing your apprenticeship.

Through practical 'on-the-job' training, you'll develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a competent Coatings Technician. You'll gain hands-on experience in preparing coatings, setting up and operating coating equipment, and ensuring the quality control of finished products.

This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for career progression, allowing you to take on more specialised technical roles or progress into leadership positions within the printing manufacturing and production sector!

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

What will you bring?

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!

Experience

Whilst previous experience is great, we're not just interested in experience and qualifications; we're looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at Peerless Coatings.

About you

This is a very hands-on and practical role so you should be willing to get stuck in and learn from the offset! You'll enjoy working in a repetitive environment, where attention to detail and focus are the keys to success! You'll be adaptable and somebody who copes well with change in a fast-moving environment.

The ability to think on your feet and communicate with all people effectively is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role - you will have good health and safety awareness and be able to work towards strict health and safety guidelines.

We're seeking somebody who loves to be busy and enjoys the practical side of working. If you currently hold some experience of working with tools and technical equipment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

To succeed in this apprenticeship, you'll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator, and be hungry to learn!

Please note, because of the nature of this position, you must be aged 17+ and live within a 45-minute commute to site!

Even if this doesn't sound quite like you, but you still think you could do a great job in the role, get in touch. We're always open to hearing from you!

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 Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship. You'll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Peerless Coatings 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!

Want to know more? Check out the apprenticeship standards here.

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.

You'll need to be over 17, not in full-time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years, and have the right to work in the UK.

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.