Polymer Processing Operative Apprentice (Level 3) - DLR Elastomer Engineering

Tiro; Leyland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic manufacturing environment as a Polymer Processing Operative Apprentice, where you'll gain hands-on experience in producing high-quality rubber and polyurethane products. This apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity to develop a diverse skill set while working for a leading UK rubber engineering firm. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, you'll play a key role in supporting various industries, including aerospace and pharmaceuticals. Enjoy a structured training program and the potential for a full-time position upon completion, all while earning a competitive salary. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive team atmosphere.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Company Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for hands-on manufacturing and polymer processing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a busy production environment.

Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement in rubber moulding and fabrication.
• Assist with tool preparation and maintenance tasks.
• Operate machinery and record manufacturing data accurately.

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing

Polymer processing

Communication

Time management

Quality control

Education

No specific qualifications required

Tools

Rubber moulding presses

Roller mills

Calendars

Curing equipment

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Polymer Processing Technician L3

Location: Rochdale

Compensation: £7.55 - £12.21 / hour

Description



Location: Unit 1A & B, Leyland Business Park, Centurion Way, Farington, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 3GR

Working for DLR Elastomer Engineering

DLR Elastomer Engineering is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in high-performance rubber and polyurethane products. Operating from a large facility in Leyland, Lancashire, the company delivers a wide range of engineered solutions to industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Their services include the production of rubber sheeting, custom-moulded components, polyurethane castings, and rubber fabrications. These products are used in demanding environments where durability and precision are essential.

DLR Elastomer Engineering is known for its technical expertise and innovation, offering bespoke solutions such as vibration-damping materials like Sorbothane, as well as sustainable developments like Green EPDM rubber made from over 95% plant-based materials. As a proud member of the Made in Britain initiative, the company highlights its commitment to quality British manufacturing and environmental responsibility.

The Package

• Starting hourly rate of £7.55 - £12.21 (depending on age)
• 37.5 hours per week
• Working hours will be within the standard hours of 7:30am – 4:00pm
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Company Pension Scheme
  
  

What will I be doing as a Polymer Processing Operative Apprentice?

As a Polymer Processing Operative Apprentice at DLR Elastomer Engineering, you will play a key role in producing high-quality rubber and polyurethane products for a range of industries including aerospace, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting continuous improvement activities across rubber moulding, sheeting, polyurethane casting, and fabrication processes.
  
  
• Assisting with tool preparation and maintenance, including cleaning, trimming, and mould tool management.
  
  
• Operating key machinery such as rubber moulding presses, roller mills, calendars, and curing equipment (e.g. RotaCure, autoclaves).
  
  
• Preparing and bonding materials through cutting, weighing, blasting, cleaning, and painting.
  
  
• Carrying out polyurethane dosing, casting, demoulding, and finishing tasks.
  
  
• Recording manufacturing data accurately and contributing to quality control and root cause analysis activities.
  
  
• Monitoring material usage and supporting stock control and stock taking as required.
  
  
• Working with other departments, including Quality and Operations, to ensure products meet required specifications.
  
  
• Participating in health and safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain high operational standards.
  
  

This apprenticeship offers hands-on training in a dynamic manufacturing environment, helping you develop a wide skillset in polymer processing while supporting the innovation and growth of a leading UK rubber engineering firm.

What could the future look like?

There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with DLR Elastomer Engineering. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position with the business at the end of your apprenticeship.

Through practical ‘on-the-job’ training, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a competent Polymer Processing Operative, gaining expertise in polymer materials, processing techniques, and quality assurance. This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a future in polymer processing, helping to ensure the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of manufacturing operations.

This apprenticeship also offers opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to take on more specialised technical roles or progress into leadership positions within the company.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You


To thrive in this role at DLR Elastomer Engineering you will need:

• A strong enthusiasm for hands-on manufacturing and polymer processing, with a genuine interest in how rubber and polyurethane products are made and applied across industries.
• The ability to communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors to support efficient workflows across moulding, sheeting, casting, and fabrication areas.
• A practical mindset with the ability to follow instructions, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing tasks in a busy production environment.
• A positive attitude toward learning, with a willingness to get involved in a range of equipment and processes to develop your skills in material preparation, machine operation, and quality control.
  

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 DLR Elastomer Engineering.

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!

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 Polymer Processing Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at DLR Elastomer Engineering 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!

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.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.

If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.

You’ll need to be over 16, 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.