Engineering Operative Apprentice

Summary

Join one of the UK’s leading independent timber merchants and gain hands-on experience at the heart of our busy production operation. This is a practical and varied apprenticeship where you’ll develop essential engineering and manufacturing skills, supporting the production of high-quality timber products.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday; Start times can be flexible to suit the right apprentice – most of the team currently work 6:00am–3:30pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

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

As a Toolroom Operative Apprentice at Hawthorn Timber, you’ll be learning how to maintain and support the machinery and tools that keep our operations running smoothly. You will:

Learn to read and interpret technical drawings
Work with CNC machines and develop technical skills in toolroom processes
Support the upkeep and organisation of tools and machinery
Get involved in manual handling and practical tasks
Use computer systems to manage toolroom tasks and schedules
Occasionally work on the shop floor to understand how different areas of production connect
Help maintain a clean, safe and efficient workshop environment

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, has an interest in how things are made, and wants to be part of a close-knit team in a well-established manufacturing business.

Where you'll work

Wyke Street
Hedon Road
Hull
East Yorkshire
HU9 1PA

Training

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

College or training organisation

HULL COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Your training plan

This training plan has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade Grade 2 (or above))
Maths (grade Grade 2 (or above))

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Physical fitness
Practical and Hands-on
Accuracy/Attention to Detail
Computer literate
Willing to learn
Team player
Strong work ethic

Other requirements

The role includes manual work in a busy industrial setting. You’ll be part of a long-standing, reputable company with a proud history in Hull and the wider region.

About this company

From our headquarters near the port of Hull, we have excellent access to sustainable timber imports from Europe and wider international markets. And with more than 80,000sqm of storage space available, we can quickly process and distribute high-quality timber, softwood-based products and panel products anywhere in the UK & Ireland.

https://www.hawthorntimber.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to continue working at Hawthorn Timber in a full-time role. You could specialise further in CNC work, tooling support, or progress into maintenance or supervisory roles within the business.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: