Manufacturing Apprentice

PHILADELPHIA STRUCTURES LTD

PETERLEE (SR8 2HU)

Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 5 May 2026


Summary

We are looking to recruit a Manufacturing Operative Apprentice to join our busy structural steelwork factory. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in manufacturing and engineering through a structured apprenticeship.

Wage

£16,224 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, 7.30am - 4.30pm. Friday, 7.30am - 12.30pm

39 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year

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

The successful applicant will undertake a one-year apprenticeship, which includes:

  • Academic training delivered through a recognised college
  • Hands-on practical training within our structural steel fabrication facility.

During the apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and competence to operate a variety of machinery and equipment, including:

  • CNC drill saw line
  • CNC punch
  • Shot blast machine
  • Bandsaw and hydrocrop
  • Airless spray-painting equipment
  • You will also gain experience in manual handling and the loading and unloading of steel wagons.

Training & Development:

Full training will be provided, with a strong focus on health and safety within a factory environment

Additional training may include:

  • Overhead crane operation
  • Manual handling
  • Opportunity to complete side loader training

Where you'll work

4 PALMER ROAD
SOUTH WEST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
PETERLEE
SR8 2HU

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 college 1-day per month, and by a tutor visiting in the workplace once a month. The only times you would be required to attend college would be for induction, and if you have any maths and English functional skills to complete. Maths and English 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. 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 3/D or above)
  • Maths (grade 3/D 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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working

About this employer

Philadelphia Structures are a manufacturer of metal structures and parts of structures, running for over 20 years.

After this apprenticeship

Upon completion of the apprenticeship there is the possibility of permanent employment and going on to complete further qualifications for the right person. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

EAST DURHAM COLLEGE

Emma Norbury

emma.norbury@eastdurham.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000029950.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 11:59pm)