Manufacturing, Processing & Logistics Apprenticeships

View Manufacturing, Processing and Logistics Apprenticeships

Almost every object you see has been manufactured or processed in some way, which is why the processing and manufacturing industry is so important. It deals with producing things on an industrial scale, which keeps all the other industries supplied with the materials needed to do their job.

After all, construction firms couldn't build without bricks and concrete, supermarkets wouldn't be able to stock their shelves without mass-produced and packaged food, doctors couldn't treat people without pharmaceuticals, cars wouldn't run without petrol... you get the idea.

Some of the main manufacturing industries covered include textiles, food, furniture, glass, metals and printing. You could be doing anything from operating huge machines in a factory to working with hand tools in a small workshop. There are roles to suit different strengths - if you're good with details, then you could check over products for flaws; if you're mechanically-minded, you could be responsible for maintaining the machines used in production.

Logistics plays a key role in all of this by making sure the right amount of raw materials shows up at the right time, and that the manufactured goods are properly stored until distribution. The ultimate goal of any logistics operation is to move a product from supplier to customer - it deals with a range of functions, like inventory management, warehousing, distribution, transport, and customer service.

Globalisation has changed the manufacturing industry in the UK. Goods are increasingly made overseas where costs are much lower. To compete, the UK has to focus on being as hi-tech, efficient and productive as possible. That means there's a demand for skilled workers, not just production line robots.