Wood Manufacturing Operative Apprentice (Kent Brushes)

Kent Brushes

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD (HP3 9SA)

Closes in 23 days (Friday 31 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 8 July 2026

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Summary

We are recruiting for a wood machinist operative to work with us to produce some of the finest brushes in the world. You would work on all aspects of the production of the brushes from timber arrival to the finished product. Training & development will be given to become fully competent using a variety of machines.

Wage

£16,224 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 7:30am - 4:30pm. Friday, 7:30am - 12:30pm.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 3 August 2026

Duration

2 years

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 would manufacture a range of brush products, producing high volume, world class, engineered products from sustainable timber.

Tasks include, but are not restricted to:

  • Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions, and following these instructions
  • How to use and gain competency in a range of machinery to perform the task/operation required including static machinery, portable powered tools and hand tools
  • Prepare and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment
  • Adhere to quality standards and product accreditation processes for wood product manufacture
  • Maintain machinery and tooling and log faults for repair including greasing and clean down
  • Build tooling and set various wood working machinery including moulders, bandsaws, presses, double end tenoner and other specialist finishing machinery
  • Techniques for applying specified finishes to components and products
  • Install fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example magnetic and acoustic components on specific patented products
  • Maintain a good level of cleanliness in working areas

Where you'll work

LONDON ROAD
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
HP3 9SA

Training

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

Training provider

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Training course

Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Comply with health, safety and environmental requirements, for example safe use of personal and respiratory protective equipment, local exhaust ventilation, statutory regulations and industry standards/codes of practice.
  • Identify risks and hazards in the workplace and apply appropriate control measures.
  • Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations, for example disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
  • Communicate - verbal and/or written, for example with colleagues and/or customers.
  • Plan work to undertake wood product manufacturing operations.
  • Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions, and following these instructions.
  • Select the correct type and quantity of components and materials.
  • Prepare the work area before undertaking the work.
  • Identify faults and issues, for example incorrect or defective wood, defective machinery; and applying solutions.
  • Pack and store products and components.
  • Select, set up and operate machinery, tools and equipment used to produce wood components.
  • Prepare and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment.
  • Use and maintain jigs and templates for wood product manufacturing operations.
  • Position wood components and apply manual and mechanical cramps to ensure products are secured and in accordance with the work specification.
  • Assemble wood components to the work specification and given tolerances.
  • Sand materials and de-nib.
  • Apply adhesives to wood components.
  • Apply finishes to wood products, for example stains, sealers, basecoats and paint finishes.
  • Instal fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example ironmongery, seals, ancillary metal work and fixings, nail plates and staples.
  • Carry out glazing operations, for example install glass to window or door.
  • Check and and inspect work to ensure it meets the work specification; undertake rectification or rework where necessary
  • Report work outcomes and/or problems.
  • Complete the handover process to other manufacturing process functions/teams.
  • Complete work documentation, for example job sheets, time cards.
  • Comply with health, safety and environmental requirements, for example safe use of personal and respiratory protective equipment, local exhaust ventilation, statutory regulations and industry standards/codes of practice.
  • Identify risks and hazards in the workplace and apply appropriate control measures.
  • Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations, for example disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
  • Communicate - verbal and/or written, for example with colleagues and/or customers.
  • Plan work to undertake wood product manufacturing operations.
  • Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions, and following these instructions.
  • Select the correct type and quantity of components and materials.
  • Prepare the work area before undertaking the work.
  • Identify faults and issues, for example incorrect or defective wood, defective machinery; and applying solutions.
  • Pack and store products and components.
  • Select, set up and operate machinery, tools and equipment used to produce wood components.
  • Prepare and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment.
  • Use and maintain jigs and templates for wood product manufacturing operations.
  • Position wood components and apply manual and mechanical cramps to ensure products are secured and in accordance with the work specification.
  • Assemble wood components to the work specification and given tolerances.
  • Sand materials and de-nib.
  • Apply adhesives to wood components.
  • Apply finishes to wood products, for example stains, sealers, basecoats and paint finishes.
  • Instal fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example ironmongery, seals, ancillary metal work and fixings, nail plates and staples.
  • Carry out glazing operations, for example install glass to window or door.
  • Check and and inspect work to ensure it meets the work specification; undertake rectification or rework where necessary
  • Report work outcomes and/or problems.
  • Complete the handover process to other manufacturing process functions/teams.
  • Complete work documentation, for example job sheets, time cards.

Training schedule

You will be completing the Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Apprentice Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills, Darlington. 

This Apprenticeship is designed to equip participants with the fundamentals required to start a successful career. The programme can be delivered using a blend of on-line, anytime learning and expert-led training covering core topics.

Throughout this Apprenticeship, participants will be supported by tutors who have worked in this environment and have gained many years of experience and who can truly support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide range of manufacturing roles.

More training information

Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:

Level 2 Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship Standard

Training will take place weekly, delivered remotely. In addition, the tutor will conduct additional sessions to support learning and assessment as required.  During the course you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure these exceed the minimum requirements for the Level 2 Wood Product Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship Standard.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 1+/G+)
  • Maths (grade 1+/G+)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4+/ C+)
  • Maths (grade 4+/ 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
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Time management skills
  • Orderly

Other requirements

  • Training will be remotely delivered therefore you would need access to a computer. Travel to and from the employer, based at London Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9SA
  • The employer will be closed over the Christmas period
  • The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage guide (ANMW): https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

About this employer

Kent Brushes was founded in 1777. Since that time, we’ve come to be known as one of the finest hairbrush manufacturers in the world. We’re one of the oldest British companies trading today, too, and as a Royal Warrant Holder for hairbrushes, we’ve supplied Royal households for ten consecutive Sovereign reigns.

We have been involved in both World Wars, equipping millions of brushes to troops in the Army, Navy and RAF, even creating special brushes in which maps and compasses were concealed to help the war effort.

Having manufactured brushes for 250 years, Kent Brushes offer an extensive choice of over 250 products, ranging from brushes for hair, body, clothes, makeup, teeth and shaving. In the UK, we have partnered with some of the nation’s most established department stores including John Lewis, Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty and Fortnum and Mason, as well as leading pharmaceutical establishments.

We also distribute to more than 50 countries world-wide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and regions including Europe, Scandinavia and The Middle East.

Aside from our rich heritage and exceptional reputation, Kent Brushes are most famous for our range of hairbrushes which consists of products to cater for any hair type, length or style and budget.

https://kentbrushes.com/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Successful completion of this apprenticeship could lead to a full-time position and/ or further training.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Graham Curry

graham.curry@Darlington.gov.uk

01325405217

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000041447.

Apply now

Closes in 23 days (Friday 31 July 2026 at 11:59pm)