Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprentice

TODS DEFENCE LTD

Portland (DT5 2JP)

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 8 April 2026

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Summary

A Lean Manufacturing Operative works safely to strict quality standards in a fast‑paced environment. You will become multi‑skilled through process ownership and adapt quickly to producing multiple products with different specifications consecutively, such as in high‑volume automotive production.

Wage

£15,808 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
Monday to Thursday. 7am - 5pm (age dependant).

38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 31 August 2026

Duration

1 year 1 month

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

  • Assisting with inspections using precision measuring equipment
  • Assisting with the maintenance of calibrating tooling
  • Assisting with the investigation of non-conformances
  • Assisting with the spot-checking of production paperwork
  • Helping with the control of production records

Where you'll work

Tods Technology
Wide Street
Portland
DT5 2JP

Training

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

Training provider

YEOVIL COLLEGE

Training course

Lean manufacturing operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2.

Training will take place onsite at Tods Manufacturing HQ in Portland as well as 1-day a week at Yeovil College. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C)
  • Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Other requirements

You MUST be prepared to commit to your work and training for the duration of the apprenticeship. In some cases, you may be required to have a telephone interview with Yeovil College prior to your application being passed on. If a suitable candidate is found prior to the advertised closing date, it may close earlier so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

About this employer

Tods have been in existence for more than 90 years and is a preferred choice for the Royal Navy for the production of sonar domes, acoustic windows, acoustic coatings and other complex structures for surface warships and submarines.

The company has also built an impeccable reputation for quality and delivery to over 25 navies worldwide, from Europe to USA and Asia.

Products and services include the design and manufacture of sonar domes, submarine acoustic windows, acoustic cladding, damping treatments, radomes and other multifunctional structural composite enclosures that enhance the performance of vital sonar, radar and communications equipment.

http://www.tods.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays
  • Health cash plan with Westfield Health
  • Cycle2work and home & tech schemes
  • Annual travel insurance 
  • Participation into annual bonus scheme

After this apprenticeship

This role fits within our Quality Team and there are several different pathways you could achieve once the apprenticeship has been completed. Potential to go down the Auditing direction or Quality Assurance. Tods are currently growing as a business, therefore, plenty of opportunities to develop with the business. Our aim is to retain the apprentice once qualification is achieved/completed.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

YEOVIL COLLEGE

Gabrielle Cobner

studentrecruitment@yeovil.ac.uk

01935 845380

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025194.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 11:59pm)