Processing & Manufacturing

So, what's it all about?

When you think about it, pretty much every object has been processed or manufactured in one way or another – which is why the processing and manufacturing industry is so important. It’s all about 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.

From furniture making to chemical processing to plastics, there are many areas covered by these Apprenticeships. You could be making lenses for cameras, printing chocolate boxes or turning out road signs. 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. Manufacturing has become increasingly hi-tech, so you’ll need to be comfortable with technology.

There are opportunities available throughout the UK, however some industries are concentrated in certain places. For example, oil and gas related industries are mainly in the eastern coastal region of Scotland, and the North East of England is a hub of manufacturing.

However, 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.

What qualities do I need?

work well as part of a team
learn how to operate complex machinery
be able to use computers and hi-tech equipment
be aware of health and safety issues
have numeracy skills
be able to manage your workload
have good timekeeping and organisational skills
be able to work quickly
concentrate for long periods, even when doing repetitive tasks

Apprenticeships in this sector

These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.