Production Apprentice

STADA Thornton & Ross; Linthwaite; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting salary

Annual bonus

Pension scheme

25 days annual leave + 5 days

On-site canteen

Medicash Health Plan

Vaccination programme

Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work

Enhanced Family Leave

Job summary

STADA UK Thornton & Ross in Huddersfield is launching its Early Careers Programme with a Production Apprentice role commencing October 2026. This entry point offers hands-on shop-floor experience in a GMP environment and a pathway to future operational or leadership roles, with on-site training and college study through Cogent.

Starting salary is £17,500 with 18-month duration; the role includes learning GMP, quality standards and SOPs, plus a range of employee benefits and a supportive team

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grade C/4 or above.
• No previous Production experience required—full training will be provided.
• Interest in manufacturing, production or engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day production activities on the shop floor.
• Learn and apply GMP, health & safety and quality standards.
• Assist with operating production equipment under supervision.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately.
• Develop understanding of manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Support continuous improvement and change initiatives.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and contribute as part of a production team.

Skills

Motivation

Reliability

Teamwork

Hands-on

Willingness to learn

Education

GCSEs including Maths & English (C/4+ key)

Job description

Join our Early Careers Programme – Production Apprentice

Commencing October 2026

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK Thornton & Ross – Production Apprentice

Huddersfield | U.K. | Full-time | Apprenticeship (Fixed-Term)

The Production Apprentice role is designed as an entry point into a career within manufacturing. The apprentice will work hands‑on within the production environment, gaining practical experience, developing core behaviours, and building the foundations for future progression within manufacturing.

This role provides real shop‑floor exposure in a GMP environment and is focused on developing motivated individuals with the potential to grow into future operational or leadership roles in production.

Key Information

• Starting salary of £17,500 – this will be reviewed regularly in line with your progress through your apprenticeship
• Duration: 18 months (5th October 2026 – 26th May 2028)
• The Process Leader Level 4 course will be provided by Cogent, approximately 1 day per week at college, remotely delivered on site at Linthwaite.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Supporting day-to-day production activities on the shop floor
• Learning and consistently applying GMP, health & safety and quality standards
• Assisting with operating production equipment under supervision
• Following standard operating procedures (SOPs) accurately
• Developing an understanding of manufacturing processes and workflows
• Supporting continuous improvement and change initiatives
• Taking ownership of assigned tasks and contributing as part of a production team

What We Are Looking For

• A strong level of motivation, reliability and commitment
• Interest in manufacturing, production or engineering environments
• A hands‑on, practical approach to work
• Willingness to learn, adapt and positively embrace change
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Good attention to detail and a responsible attitude
• Educated to a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grade C/4 or above

No previous Production experience is required – full training will be provided.

How We Care For You

At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

• Competitive starting salary and annual bonus scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution
• Opportunity to engage in our Early Careers Programme alongside apprentices, students and graduates across the organisation
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
• On-site subsidised canteen
• Health benefits via Medicash Health Cash Plan
• Free winter flu vaccination
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Enhanced Family Leave

Plus Many Additional Employee Benefits And Engagement Events

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.