Machine Setter/ Materials handler Apprentice
COUNTERPLAS LTD
STAFFORDSHIRE (WS6 7AL)
Closes in 23 days (Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 25 February 2026
Contents
Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking apprentice to join us for a dual role in Machine condition settings for a wide range of plastic injection moulding machines and the setup of ancillary equipment/robots and a Material Handler to support production lines.
- Wage
-
£14,722.50 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Initially starting on days but will be on a double day shift system going forward (6am till 2pm and 2pm till 10pm rotating weekly.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Friday 1 May 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- 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
- Ensure machine setup conditions prior to production start-up are all correct to ensure a smooth startup and minimise any plant downtime or material scrap.
- Load machines with the correct raw materials according to production requirements
- Ensure material hoppers, dryers and loaders are filled and running correctly
- Accurately record and update material usage
- Supply operators with materials, packaging and components when required
- Ensure high standards of safety, plastic processing, machine setup, mechanical best practice and due diligence are paramount.
- Provide consistent and reliable machine setting service in line with standard operating procedures.
- Machine condition setting for a range of injection moulding presses in a safe, efficient and effective manner, adhering to standard operating procedures.
- Ensure initial machine condition setup is correct to ensure startup of the machine without problems and minimise downtime, material scrap and production startup issues.
- Safe setup and operation of injection moulding machines at all times.
- Identify any potential machine defects as soon as possible and provide effective communication to Shift Managers, Maintenance Engineers and Production staff.
- Ensure best practice machine condition setting is adopted at all times.
- Full compliance with UK statutory health & safety standards.
- Full compliance with LOLER and PUWER regulations
- Establish good working relationships with production, maintenance and other key members of the factory team. Adhere to all instructions set by the Shift Manager.
Where you'll work
LANDYWOOD LANE
CHESLYN HAY
WALSALL
STAFFORDSHIRE
WS6 7AL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE
Training course
Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
- Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
- Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
- Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
- Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
- Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
- Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
- Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
- Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
- Follow standard operating procedures.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
- Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Apply team working principles.
- Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
- Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
- Carry out and record learning and development activities.
- Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
- Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
- Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
- Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
- Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
- Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
- Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
- Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
- Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
- Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
- Follow standard operating procedures.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
- Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Apply team working principles.
- Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
- Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
- Carry out and record learning and development activities.
- Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
Training schedule
- Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3.
- Mechanical and electrical principles.
- Health and safety in manufacturing.
- Technical drawings and problem-solving.
- Use of workshop tools and diagnostic equipment.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Presentation skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Reliable
- Punctual
- Positive attitude
About this employer
Counterplas is a leading technical plastic injection moulder operating within the UK, With over 25 years of experience, we pride ourselves on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability — continually investing in modern equipment, automation, and the development of our people.
After this apprenticeship
- Comprehensive training and mentoring throughout the apprenticeship.
- Real hands-on experience with state-of-the-art machinery.
- Long-term career development and progression opportunities.
- A safe, inclusive, and professional working environment.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COLLEGE
Apprenticeship Team
apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk
03004562424
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000015504.
Apply now
Closes in 23 days (Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 11:59pm)