2026 Zirconium Chemicals Manufacturing Apprenticeship - Luxfer MEL Technologies

Job Title: Zirconium Chemicals Manufacturing Apprenticeship
📍 Location: Manchester, UK
📚 Study: Process Industry Manufacturing Technician Apprentice (Level 3)
💼 Department: Production
🕒 Full-time | 2-3 year Apprenticeship
2-4 positions available

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Start Your Career in Manufacturing with Luxfer with our Process Industry Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship course delivered through Cogent Skills. We are looking for between 2 and 4 motivated and hands-on individuals, that have a passion for Chemistry to join our team as Manufacturing Apprentice at our Manchester site.

This is a fantastic opportunity to begin a long-term career in manufacturing, gaining real workplace experience while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

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About the Role 

As an apprentice working in our zirconium production facility, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to operate, maintain, and optimise industrial process operations within a manufacturing environment. 

Working as part of the production and technical teams, you will support safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing processes. You will gain hands-on experience in operating plant equipment, monitoring production, maintaining quality standards, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the site. 

This apprenticeship is designed to build practical competence, technical understanding, and strong health, safety, and environmental awareness. You will play an active role in supporting operational efficiency, product quality, and reliable plant performance. 

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What You’ll Be Doing 

• Operating and monitoring chemical manufacturing plant equipment in line with standard operating procedures.
• Supporting the production of intermediate and finished products to high quality standards.
• Identifying and reporting faults, issues, quality, safety or environmental concerns
• Assisting with basic maintenance and equipment checks
• Preparing equipment for maintenance and shutdown activities
• Completing production records and documentation
• Taking part in shift handovers and team communication
• Supporting continuous improvement activities such as 5S and Lean

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What We’re Looking For 

We’re looking for people who are:

• Interested in manufacturing and science (particularly chemistry)
• have at least 5 GCSE results at grade 4/C, including Maths, English & Science (or equivalent qualification), and have ideally continued their studies to A-Level/Level 3 in Maths, Science or Engineering subject.
• Committed to working safely and following procedures
• Good team players with strong communication skills
• Willing to learn and develop new skills
• Reliable, punctual, and organised
• Able to problem-solve and pay attention to detail

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Training & Development

You will complete the Level 3 Process Industry Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship.

• Duration: 2 - 3 years
• Structured learning: Typically, 1 day per week (online learning + occasional in-person sessions)
• On-the-job training with experienced mentors

This programme is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to build a successful career in manufacturing.

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What We Offer

• A structured apprenticeship with a recognised qualification
• Hands-on experience in a real chemical manufacturing environment
• Ongoing support and mentoring throughout your programme
• Opportunities for career progression within the business
• A supportive and team-focused working environment

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How to Apply

If you’re ready to start your career in chemical manufacturing and want to learn while you earn, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a short statement explaining why you’re interested in this apprenticeship.

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. If you wish to request that your application be considered under the terms of our Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please explicitly state so in your CV and / or accompanying cover letter.