Manufacturing Apprentice

HYDRAM ENGINEERING LIMITED

County Durham (DL17 0SG)

Closes on Friday 15 May 2026

Posted on 10 April 2026

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Summary

As a Manufacturing Apprentice, you will be engaged in a comprehensive training program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a qualified operator. You will work closely with various mentors across the site, gaining hands-on experience with different sheet metal machinery.

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 - Thursday, 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday, 8.00am - 3.00pm

38 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year

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

As an Assembly Manufacturing Apprentice, you will take part in a comprehensive training programme designed to develop your skills and knowledge to become a competent assembly operator. You will work closely with experienced mentors across the site, gaining hands-on experience in mechanical and sheet metal assembly processes. Your commitment to both the business and the training provider is key to successfully completing the practical and coursework elements of the apprenticeship.

Assembly Operations (Primary Role):

  • Assemble a range of components and finished products using engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
  • Use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
  • Carry out fitting tasks such as drilling, tapping, fastening, and aligning parts.
  • Ensure all assemblies meet required quality standards.
  • Perform basic inspections and checks during and after assembly.

Paint Shop Support (Secondary Role):

  • Assist with preparation of parts for painting (e.g. masking, cleaning, loading/unloading).
  • Support paint processes in line with quality and safety standards.
  • Help maintain cleanliness and organisation within the paint area.

Health & Safety Compliance:

  • Follow all site health & safety, environmental, and quality procedures always.
  • Maintain a clean and organised work area (5S standards).

Where you'll work

Avenue 1
Chilton Industrial Estate
Ferryhill
County Durham
DL17 0SG

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

  • The successful candidate will complete Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeship Standard
  • This will be delivered in the workplace, with a tutor visiting once a month but may also require college attendance.
  • If you don't already have maths and English, you will need to attend weekly classes would be weekly until the exams are passed
  • If you hold either GCSE grade 3 or above, or a level 1 in maths and English, you will not be required to do these again

More training information

Hydram is committed to its apprenticeship programme, including extra-curricular activities. One element is a three-day residential aimed to promote and improve team skills, expected for all apprentices. Considerations will be made for any specific needs.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4 / C and above)
  • Maths (grade 4 / C and 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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Sheet metal fabrication company Hydram Sheet Metalwork supplies metal products, components and precision sheet metal fabrications on a subcontract basis to market leading companies in industries such as railway, public transport, lighting, furniture, earth-moving machinery/off-highway vehicles and white goods. The sheet metal fabricator is committed to providing outstanding manufacturing services, working closely with customers to establish long-term partnerships and aiming to be the one of the best sheet metal fabrication companies in the UK.

https://hydram.co.uk/ (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

0191 5185589

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025809.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 15 May 2026