Quality Technician Apprentice

HTP Apprenticeship College; Newport; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

LCM Systems is seeking an Apprentice Quality Technician to develop practical inspection and QA skills while supporting product conformity and improvement. You will learn from experienced colleagues and progress through a structured apprenticeship with mentoring and supervised workplace learning.

The role offers training towards the Level 4 Quality Practitioner apprenticeship, with a two-year programme plan and regular progress reviews during paid working hours.

Qualifications

• Interest in engineering, manufacturing and how products are made and checked.
• Attention to detail and basic numeracy for practical tasks.
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback and complete the apprenticeship.
• Clear written and verbal communication and teamwork.
• Basic computer skills; develop confidence in Excel and company systems.
• Reliability, organisation and ability to manage priorities with support.
• Honesty in recording results and speaking up about quality concerns.
• Initiative within responsibilities and when to seek guidance.
• Respect for confidential company, customer and supplier information.

Responsibilities

• Inspect materials, components and finished products against drawings, specs and inspection plans.
• Record results and escalate unclear requirements.
• Use measuring equipment correctly; maintain calibration records.
• Support product testing and calibration under supervision.
• Assist with non-conforming products and documentation of findings.
• Help with quality investigations and corrective actions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Communication

Excel basics

Organisation

Problem solving

Initiative

Integrity

Education

GCSE English & Maths at grade 4/C or above

Engineering subjects advantageous

Tools

Excel

Job description

A unique opportunity has become available with LCM Systems who are looking for an Apprentice Quality Technician.

This is a full-time role for the successful candidate, on the expectation that they would complete the Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship with HTP Apprenticeship College.

The apprenticeship is for 14 Months, plus 6 months for the end point assessment. The job role is permanent on completeion of the apprenticeship.

The following link gives full information on the apprenticeship:

https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeship-standards/st0853-v1-0

About LCM Systems

LCM Systems designs and manufactures load measurement systems used worldwide. We provide standard and custom load cells and associated instrumentation for challenging applications in aerospace, marine, oil and gas, offshore, heavy lifting and hazardous areas. Our work combines design, manufacturing and validation to deliver reliable products through a right first-time approach.

Purpose of the role

Develop practical inspection and quality assurance skills while supporting product conformity and improvement across LCM. You will learn from experienced colleagues and complete a structured apprenticeship. Training and supervision will reflect your experience, with responsibility increasing as you demonstrate competence.

Key responsibilities

Inspection and testing: Learn to inspect materials, components and finished products against current drawings, specifications and inspection plans. Assist with product testing and calibration under supervision. Record results and elevate unclear requirements.

Measurement equipment

Learn to use measuring equipment correctly, check its condition and calibration status, and help maintain equipment registers and calibration records. Report damaged or overdue equipment before use.

Product traceability

Check material certificates, part identification and batch or serial numbers against requirements. Maintain traceability through route cards, inspection reports and test records.

Control of non-conforming products

Identify and record non-conformances, help label and segregate suspect products, and escalat concerns promptly. Product release and acceptance of deviations require authorised approval.

Quality investigations

Gather evidence, support root cause analysis and track corrective actions. Help check that actions have prevented recurrence and identify opportunities to prevent other quality problems.

Quality data and improvement

Maintain accurate inspection and Not Right First-Time records. Help analyse trends, prepare reports and support improvements that reduce defects, rework and waste.

Audits and documentation

Support internal audits, gather evidence and follow up actions. Help maintain controlled procedures, inspection instructions and records within the ISO 9001 quality management system.

Quality planning and collaboration

Help clarify acceptance criteria, identify quality risks and plan inspections with Engineering, Production, Calibration and Purchasing. Support supplier quality reviews and customer complaint investigations.

Safe working

Follow risk assessments, safe working instructions and PPE requirements. Undertake testing or equipment operation only with appropriate training, supervision and authorisation; report hazards and near misses promptly.

Apprenticeship and development

You will work towards successful completion of the Level 4 Quality Practitioner apprenticeship standard, including its required assessment. LCM plans an approximately two-year programme, with the final duration agreed with the training provider following an initial assessment. The programme will include supervised workplace learning, a named mentor, regular progress reviews and protected time for off-the-job training during paid working hours. You will attend training, complete assignments and maintain evidence of your learning in line with the agreed training plan. Learning will cover inspection, drawing interpretation, measurement, auditing and continuous improvement, using tools such as 5 Whys, 8D, Pareto charts and basic Lean techniques. You will gain experience across relevant departments and take on more complex tasks as your skills develop.

Essential skills and personal qualities

• An interest in engineering, manufacturing and how products are made and checked.
• Careful attention to detail, basic numeracy and a methodical approach to practical tasks.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, accept feedback and complete the apprenticeship.
• Clear written and verbal communication and a positive approach to teamwork.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to develop confidence in Excel, Word and company systems.
• Reliability, good organisation and the ability to manage agreed priorities with support.
• Honesty in recording results and confidence to raise mistakes, uncertainty or quality concerns.
• Initiative within agreed responsibilities and an understanding of when to seek guidance.
• Respect for confidential company, customer and supplier information.

Desirable knowledge and experience

• Familiarity with technical drawings, tolerances, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), or measuring tools would be helpful.
• An engineering course, practical project, work placement or manufacturing experience would also be useful.
• Previous professional experience and technical knowledge are not essential; training will be provided.

Qualifications and entry requirements

• GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications, are preferred.
• Science, Design and Technology, or Engineering subjects would be an advantage.
• Entry suitability, any additional provider requirements and English or maths learning needs will be reviewed with the training provider.

Sucessfull candidates will then be contacted by HTP Apprenticeship College.