Apprentice – Finishing Operator

The Sherwood Group

NOTTINGHAM (NG8 4GP)

Closes on Monday 23 February 2026

Posted on 15 January 2026


Summary

As an Apprentice Finishing Operator, you will work as part of our skilled Production team, learning how to operate and maintain a range of finishing machinery. This is a hands-on role where you will gain real-world experience in the post-press area, including die-cutting, nesting, window patching, in-line gluing, and stock control.

Training course
Engineering operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8am- 4pm with a half an hours unpaid break

38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 March 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Under supervision and through structured training, you will:

Learn to operate and maintain finishing equipment including:

  • Die-cutting machines, Foiling emboss machine
  • Nesting lines
  • Window patching systems
  • In-line gluing units
  • Assist in the preparation of materials, loading and unloading jobs, and understanding job specifications
  • Support quality control checks to ensure products meet required standards
  • Understand and follow health and safety procedures and comply with workplace safety practices
  • Develop awareness of stock control procedures within the warehouse, including raw materials and finished goods handling
  • Maintain a clean and organised working environment
  • Complete all college assignments, assessments, and reviews on time and to the best of your ability

Where you'll work

HADDEN COURT
GLAISDALE PARK IND EST
GLAISDALE DR WEST
NOTTINGHAM
NG8 4GP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE

Training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

  • This programme is delivered via a day release delivery model which means that one day per week, your attendance is required at our Engineering Campus. This attendance is required during term time only
  • You will work with expert assessors and tutors to develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours within the profession
  • You will experience a blended learning model

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 4)
  • Science (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Other requirements

Workers under the age of 18 would not be allowed to work nights due to insurance purposes. 

About this employer

Today, The Sherwood Group is the UK’s leading independent packaging and greeting cards manufacturer, with a track record of award-winning products and designs.

We offer three manufacturing facilities across the UK and China, employing over 300 members of staff on two continents. We are extremely proud of all that we have achieved to date, although the values of the business are still the same- striving to be the best in the markets we serve and to provide the best care to our customers. We like to say that ‘we are big enough to cope but small enough to care.

https://www.sherwoodgroupuk.com/about/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Long term career progression upon successful completion of the apprenticeship for the right candidate

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000008072.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 23 February 2026