Trainee Machine Operator - Lamination Lines

Lambson Innovate Ltd; Castleford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Lambson Innovate Ltd in Castleford is seeking a motivated Trainee Machine Operator to learn how to set up, operate, and monitor lamination lines. You will work under experienced operators to develop practical skills and ensure products meet quality and safety standards.

This role focuses on gaining hands-on experience with profile wrapping, adhesive application, and process control, with progression toward full competency in changing over machines and maintaining production schedules.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn to operate lamination equipment.
• Ability to follow safety procedures.
• Interest in mechanical setup and changeovers.
• Experience in manufacturing is beneficial but not essential.
• Basic practical or mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Learn to safely operate profile wrapping and lamination equipment.
• Assist with start-up, shutdown and product changeovers.
• Develop competence in threading films, foils and substrates.
• Support machine parameter adjustments and quality checks.
• Carry out basic maintenance and cleaning procedures.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Job description

Trainee Machine Operator - Lamination Lines

To learn and develop the skills required to safely set up, operate, monitor and maintain profile wrapping and lamination machinery, ensuring products are manufactured to quality standards, production schedules are achieved, and all health, safety and housekeeping requirements are met.

Working under the guidance of experienced operators and team leaders, the trainee will progressively gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to become a fully competent Lamination Line Operator.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operation & Setup:

Learn to safely operate profile wrapping and lamination equipment in accordance with company procedures and safety requirements.

Assist with machine start-up, shutdown and product changeovers.

Develop competence in threading films, foils and substrates through the production line.

Learn how to set and adjust machine parameters including temperature, speed, line pressure, adhesive application rates and tension controls.

Support machine bed changeovers, including the positioning, adjustment and optimisation of pressure rollers for different profile shapes.

Understand the relationship between machine settings and finished product quality.

Identify, select and prepare the correct raw materials for each production order.

Inspect materials before use to ensure they meet quality requirements.

Assist with loading substrates, films, foils and adhesives onto production equipment.

Learn correct material storage, handling and stock rotation practices.

Ensure material batch numbers and product specifications are accurately followed.

Adhesive Application & Process Control:

Learn the principles of adhesive selection and application.

Develop understanding of glue coat weights and their impact on product performance.

Assist with monitoring adhesive application systems and recording process information.

Learn how temperature, speed and pressure influence adhesion quality and final product appearance.

Support troubleshooting activities to identify and rectify bonding issues.

Profile Wrapping & Technical Skills Development:

Develop an understanding of profile wrapping and lamination processes across a variety of profile designs.

Learn how pressure zones, roller positioning and material characteristics affect finished product quality.

Assist in setting up and fine-tuning silicone pressure roller configurations to achieve optimal foil conformity.

Gain practical knowledge of material behaviour, adhesive performance and machine dynamics.

Work towards achieving competency in profile changeovers and machine setup for different product specifications.

Quality Assurance:

Carry out visual inspections of finished products throughout production.

Learn to identify quality defects including bubbles, wrinkles, creases, poor adhesion, misalignment, edge lifting, marking and contamination.

Measure and monitor critical product dimensions and specifications.

Record quality checks in accordance with company procedures.

Report quality concerns promptly and support corrective actions where required.

Develop a high level of attention to detail and commitment to right-first-time manufacturing.

Production Performance:

Learn to interpret production schedules and job specifications.

Support the production team in achieving planned output, efficiency and delivery targets.

Minimise waste through correct machine operation and material handling.

Assist with reducing downtime by preparing materials and equipment efficiently.

Monitor production performance and report issues affecting productivity.

Maintenance & Equipment Care

Learn routine cleaning procedures for rollers, adhesive systems and associated equipment.

Assist with preventative maintenance activities as directed.

Carry out basic equipment inspections and identify signs of wear or damage.

Safely clear minor jams and production issues following approved procedures.

Report machine faults to supervisors or maintenance personnel promptly.

Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities:

Follow all company health, safety and environmental procedures at all times.

Wear and maintain the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

Participate in safety training, risk assessments and toolbox talks.

Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment using 5S and housekeeping standards.

Report hazards, incidents and near misses immediately.

Demonstrate safe working practices around moving machinery, adhesives, heat sources and mechanical equipment.

Teamwork & Communication:

Work effectively with operators, team leaders, maintenance personnel and quality teams.

Communicate production issues, defects and machine concerns clearly and promptly.

Take an active role in training and personal development activities.

Demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to continuous improvement.

Contribute to team objectives and support colleagues where required.

Additional Duties:

Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by management, appropriate with the nature, level and responsibilities of the role.

Demonstrate flexibility in supporting wider operational and business requirements as necessary.

This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may be reviewed and amended from time to time to reflect changing business needs, following appropriate consultation where required.

Some previous experience of operating or assisting with lamination or profile wrapping machinery would be advantageous but is not essential.Experience in a manufacturing or production environment, particularly working with machinery, would be beneficial.Basic practical or mechanical aptitude, with an interest in learning machine setup, operation and changeovers.An understanding of visual quality checks and the importance of attention to detail.Familiarity with following work instructions and safe working procedures.