Overview
The Apprentice Manufacturing Technician will undertake structured work-based training across the manufacturing team while completing an accredited apprenticeship program with an academic learning provider, in parallel. The role is designed to provide broad exposure to the manufacturing process, enabling the apprentice to develop practical technical competence, manufacturing awareness and suitable work-based evidence against apprenticeship and NVQ requirements.
Working under supervision, the apprentice will rotate through key shopfloor and manufacturing support areas, contributing to safe, right-first-time production while building understanding of electronic assembly, machine operation, inspection, test, rework, process control, documentation and continuous improvement activities.
Responsibilities
- Work safely and professionally across all assigned manufacturing areas, following company procedures, training instructions, ESD controls and quality requirements.
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Gain practical experience across the end-to-end manufacturing process, including kit preparation, SMT support, PCB assembly, pre-flow and post-flow operations, hand assembly, final assembly, inspection, rework, test, packing and despatch-related activities where appropriate.
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Support production teams with routine shopfloor activities while developing competence in electronic manufacturing methods, production documentation, build standards and operator best practice.
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Assist with machinery, equipment and automation activities under supervision, including basic set-up support, changeovers, routine checks, first-line problem escalation and recording of issues that may affect production output.
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Develop awareness of manufacturing quality standards, including inspection requirements, defect identification, workmanship expectations, traceability and the importance of first time pass rate.
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Support process improvement activities by helping to identify waste, production constraints, quality risks, tooling needs, 5S opportunities and practical improvements within the manufacturing environment.
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Assist with the preparation, control and use of jigs, fixtures, tooling, manufacturing aids and work instructions, ensuring they are handled and stored in line with local requirements.
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Collect, maintain and present work-based evidence linked to the Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship and NVQ requirements, ensuring evidence is relevant, accurate and reviewed with the assigned workplace mentor / manager.
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Work with supervisors, technicians, operators, engineering, planning and quality personnel to develop a broad understanding of how manufacturing performance is managed across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people measures.
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Participate in training, skills matrix development and on-the-job assessments, demonstrating progression toward competence in agreed manufacturing tasks.
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Maintain good housekeeping standards within all assigned work areas and support the application of 5S methodology.
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Uphold the company’s core values of Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Teamwork.
Qualifications
- Entry requirements aligned to the Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship in Electronic Engineering and company apprenticeship standards.
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Ideally educated to A Level, BTEC Level 2 or equivalent technical standard; must demonstrate suitable achievement in English, Maths and Science for the apprenticeship route.
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Interest in electronics, manufacturing, engineering, automation, problem solving and practical technical work.
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Good IT skills, with the ability to use Microsoft Office and learn ERP / manufacturing systems.
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Good communication skills and willingness to work with operators, supervisors, technicians, engineers and quality personnel.
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Dexterity and attention to detail suitable for electronic manufacturing activities.
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Willingness to learn IPC, ESD, lean manufacturing, 5S, quality and health and safety principles as required by the role.
APPRENTICESHIP AND WORK-BASED EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
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Actively participate in the agreed Apprenticeship program and maintain progress against the agreed learning plan.
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Gather evidence from real manufacturing activities across different work areas to demonstrate competence against apprenticeship and NVQ requirements.
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Attend reviews with the training provider, workplace mentor and manager as required, and complete actions within agreed timescales.
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Maintain professional conduct and accurate records within apprenticeship portfolio, logbooks or other required systems.
OTHER WORK REQUIREMENTS:
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Successful completion of OSI Electronics and OSI Corporate training, including training delivered at company location. Must become fully competent in understanding how OSI Electronics service supports its customers.
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Flexibility in working hours if required and suitable for apprenticeship, training provider or business needs.
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Willingness to rotate across manufacturing areas to gain broad experience and relevant work-based evidence.
