Cold Head Setter / Operator

Comton Group; Redditch; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Comton Group in Redditch is offering an opportunity for an apprentice-trained engineer to become a Cold Heading Setter / Operator Trainee. The program covers setting and operating cold heading machines that produce copper and silver bonded rivets, with hands-on mentoring over 12–18 months.

You will gain specialist skills, progress to running multiple machines, perform tooling maintenance and product inspection, and pursue a long-term career in a well-established manufacturing business.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship in engineering or machining with Level 2 or 3 qualification.
• Machining/manufacturing background with practical hands-on skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to follow procedures and work safely.

Responsibilities

• Learn to set and operate specialist cold heading machines.
• Manufacture contact rivets to required quality standards.
• Maintain and care for machine tooling.
• Carry out product inspections for quality and accuracy.
• Operate multiple machines as skills develop.
• Identify and resolve basic mechanical issues.
• Work with colleagues following manufacturing procedures.
• Complete internal and external training.
• Maintain a safe and efficient working environment.

Skills

Machining background

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Engineering apprenticeship (Level 2/3)

Job description

Cold Heading Setter / Operator Trainee

Location: Redditch

Working Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00am – 4:30pm; Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm

The Opportunity

Are you from a machining or engineering background and looking for an opportunity to develop specialist skills and progress your career?

We are recruiting a Cold Heading Setter / Operator Trainee for an established Redditch-based manufacturing business with over 125 years of history.

This is an excellent opportunity for a mechanically minded individual to receive specialist training in the setting and operation of cold heading machines. These machines manufacture contact rivets using copper and silver bonded together, and the skills required to operate them are relatively rare in the UK.

The training programme typically lasts 12–18 months, during which you will work alongside an experienced mentor who will provide hands-on training and support your development. The aim is to develop you into a highly skilled Setter / Operator, capable of taking responsibility for four machines, including machine setting, tooling maintenance and product inspection.

This is a varied, hands-on role offering long-term career development within an established manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn to set and operate specialist cold heading machines.
• Manufacture contact rivets to the required quality standards.
• Develop the skills required to maintain and care for machine tooling.
• Carry out product inspections to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Take responsibility for the operation and performance of multiple machines as your skills develop.
• Identify and resolve basic mechanical and production issues.
• Work alongside experienced colleagues and follow established manufacturing procedures.
• Complete all required internal and external training.
• Maintain a safe, organised and efficient working environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• An apprenticeship in engineering or machining, supported by a Level 2 or Level 3 engineering qualification.
• A machining, manufacturing or mechanical engineering background.
• Strong practical and hands-on skills, with a mechanically minded approach.
• Good mathematical, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A self-motivated, positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• Good timekeeping and flexibility when required.

Training and Career Progression

Full training will be provided under the guidance of an experienced mentor, with regular reviews to monitor your progress and development.

Following successful completion of the training programme, the intention is to offer permanent employment, with further opportunities to develop your technical knowledge and skills within a well-established manufacturing business.

This role would suit an apprentice-trained engineer, machinist or manufacturing operative looking to develop a rare specialist skill set and build a long-term career in engineering