Apprentice Spray Painter

KOMATSU UK LIMITED

County Durham (DH3 2QX)

Closes in 28 days (Tuesday 31 March 2026)

Posted on 2 March 2026

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Summary

We are looking for Engineering Apprentices to join our Paint Department. We are looking for individuals with a keen interest in spray painting, who are enthusiastic, reliable and have the willingness to work hard within an engineering environment.

Wage

£17,198 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

regular increases

Training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday- Thursday 8.00am- 4.45pm Friday 8.00am- 12.45pm

37 hours 45 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

4 years

Positions available

2

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

Komatsu is an international leader in the field of construction and mining equipment.  The Company headquarters are in Tokyo and we employ around 63,000 people worldwide. Komatsu UK Ltd is based in Birtley, close to Gateshead, and employs over 500 people engaged in the design and manufacture of medium-sized hydraulic excavators.

Our Apprentice Programme is well established and we are proud to see the success and development of our employees who began their career on the Apprentice Programme.  We have a strong ethos of continuous improvement, and welcome ideas and suggestions from our employees.

We are looking for Engineering Apprentices to join our Paint Department.

What will I do?

Initially you will be based at the TDR Training Centre in LongBenton. 

Once you have completed your initial training at TDR, you will spend the remainder of the four year apprenticeship working at Komatsu UK in the Paint Department.

In conjunction with TDR you will work to achieve your NVQ Level 3 Surface Finisher.

What you will learn

  • How to work safely
  • How to prepare and spray paint parts and finished machines to a high quality standard
  • How to operate machinery such as spray guns and overhead cranes
  • Fault finding
  • How to follow work procedures/drawings
  • Team work and continuous improvement

Salary and Benefits

  • Starting salary is £16,693 with regular increases
  • 26 days holiday each year
  • Company Gym
  • Better Health at Work Programme
  • Active Sports and Social Club with charity fundraising opportunities
  • Opportunities for learning and development throughout your career

Where you'll work

Durham Road
Birtley
Chester Le Street
County Durham
DH3 2QX

Training

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

Training provider

TDR TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

Level 3 Engineering Technician

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language or English Literature (grade 4 or above)
  • Maths (grade 4 or above)

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
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Initiative

Other requirements

Join us for a Factory Tour to explore our site, learn about our operations, and discover the various apprenticeships we offer. Tours will take place on Wednesday 18 March at 11am and 3pm, or Tuesday 24 March at 4pm.

If you’d like to attend a Factory Tour please email HRTeam.UK@komatsu.eu stating which day and time is best for you.

About this employer

Komatsu is an international leader in the field of construction and mining equipment. The Company headquarters are in Tokyo and we employ around 63,000 people worldwide. Komatsu UK Ltd is based in Birtley, close to Gateshead, and employs over 500 people engaged in the design and manufacture of medium-sized hydraulic excavators.

https://komatsu.eu/en (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

- 26 days holiday each year
- Company Gym
- Better Health at Work Programme

After this apprenticeship

  • There will be the opportunity to secure permanent employment on successful completion of the apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TDR TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000018608.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Tuesday 31 March 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.