Manufacturing Apprentice

ENCORE ENVELOPES LIMITED

Peterlee (SR8 2JF)

Closes in 10 days (Friday 13 March 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 26 February 2026

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Summary

Encore Packaging Solutions, based in Peterlee & part of the Encore Group, are looking to recruit a manufacturing apprentice. The role will require the ideal candidate to work, assist and train as an operator on our Heidelberg CX_102 printing press. They will be required to assist in the management of machine ink, paper, chemicals & printing plates.

Wage

£14,722.50 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)
Hours
Working hours - 8:30am - 5pm. Monday to Friday.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Duration

1 year

Positions available

3

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

Daily duties to include:

  • Actively participate in your own development plan
  • Learn to make Lithographic Printing plates
  • Learn about the properties of different paper substrates and their printing properties
  • Learn how to make a press ready for print (to include loading plates, paper and ink)
  • Understand the chemistry of how offset lithography works
  • Understand how to change press consumables (to include blankets and press chemistry)
  • Run the press
  • Understand quality standards, and troubleshoot printing issues
  • Work as part of a team
  • Work towards key performance standards, but always recognising that quality is paramount

Where you'll work

Davy Drive
North West Industrial Estate
Peterlee
SR8 2JF

Training

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

Training provider

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Training course

Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

  • Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship Standard
  • Maths and English Functional Skills if required - if not required, maths and English upskill will still be provided but you do not need to sit an exam
  • Preparation for End Point Assessment

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 3 or above)
  • Maths (grade 3 or above)

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

Skills

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

About this employer

Encore Packaging Solutions print and manufacture solid board packaging for the Food, Retail & Luxury Goods markets and have built a growing reputation on supplying our customers with quality products matched by exceptional customer service. Our mission is to create envelopes and packaging that’s high-quality, suitable, and sustainable. We will always continue to invest in technology and innovation. We strive to improve in all aspects in our business, which results in benefiting our customers.

https://theencoregroup.co.uk/retail-packaging/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Possibility of permanent employment and going on to complete further qualifications.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Adam Heslop

adam.heslop@eastdurham.ac.uk

01915185589

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000018046.

Apply now

Closes in 10 days (Friday 13 March 2026 at 11:59pm)