At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a skilled Packaging Operative through hands-on training and support.
- Company: Join Piramal Pharma Solutions, a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Benefits: Earn £15,165/year, enjoy annual leave, and a company pension scheme.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a vital industry while ensuring safe packaging of medicines.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; just bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: This apprenticeship offers a pathway to advanced roles in a fast-growing field.
Department: Science Apprenticeship - Science Manufacturing Technician L3
Location: Morpeth
Compensation: £15,165 / year
Description
Location: Whalton Road, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3YA
Working for Piramal Pharma Solutions
Piramal Pharma Solutions is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), offering end-to-end development and manufacturing solutions across the drug life cycle. We serve our clients through a globally integrated network of facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.
The Package
- Starting salary of £15,165 (£8.33 per hour), increasing to National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable
- 37.5 hours per week (35 hours worked, as this is inclusive of a 30 minute paid lunch break)
- Monday to Thursday, 7:00am - 3:00pm; Friday, 7:00am - 12:00pm
- Annual Leave
- Company Pension Scheme
What will I be doing as a Packaging Operative Apprentice?
As a Packaging Operative Apprentice, you will follow a structured development path to become a fully competent Packaging Operator. This hands-on role provides progressive responsibility for operating and performing changeovers on blister and bottle packaging lines. You will gain experience working with a range of equipment including thermoformers, cartoners, checkweighers, serialization units, and overwrappers. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop in-depth knowledge of high-quality standards in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), internal protocols, and safety guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Training and Development
- Participate in structured training programs to gain proficiency in line operations.
- Learn and apply Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety requirements.
- Work alongside experienced operators to understand line setups, adjustments, and changeovers.
- Assist with line changeovers for both blister and bottle packaging processes.
- Support the setup, cleaning, and basic maintenance of packaging equipment, including: Thermoformer, Cartonner, Checkweigher, Serialization equipment, Overwrapper.
- Understand and uphold all quality and safety standards.
- Accurately complete documentation in accordance with GMP.
- Report any deviations or equipment issues promptly.
- Participate in lean initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
- Contribute to problem-solving and root cause analysis during packaging line issues.
What could the future look like?
As a Packaging Operative Apprentice, your journey marks the beginning of a dynamic and rewarding career in pharmaceutical packaging and manufacturing. Through structured, hands-on training, you will develop the technical skills required to operate, maintain, and carry out changeovers on advanced packaging equipment — all while working to the highest quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
What will you bring?
About You
We’re looking for someone enthusiastic about building a career in pharmaceutical or manufacturing packaging — someone who’s hands-on, motivated, and eager to learn in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment. This is a practical, detail-oriented role that plays a key part in ensuring the safe and efficient packaging of life-changing medicines.
You should have a basic mechanical aptitude and a genuine interest in understanding how complex packaging machinery works. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as you’ll be collaborating with experienced operators to keep production running smoothly. A commitment to high quality standards and safe working practices is a must, as is the ability to follow written procedures precisely and maintain accurate records.
If you take pride in doing things the right way, enjoy working with your hands, and thrive in a clean, organised setting, this could be the perfect start to your career in pharmaceutical packaging.
Please note: Due to the nature of this position, applicants must be 18+
Experience
Previous experience in manufacturing or packaging is helpful but not essential. What’s most important is your attitude — if you’re reliable, proactive, and ready to learn, we’ll give you the support and training to succeed. Any hands-on experience with tools, equipment, or technical processes will be a bonus.
Qualifications
We’re more interested in your potential than your past qualifications. If you’re passionate about packaging or pharmaceuticals and excited to gain new skills, we want to hear from you. This apprenticeship offers a solid foundation for developing into a highly skilled operator within an essential, ever-growing industry.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Over 24 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship.
Eligibility
While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government. You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
Packaging Operative Apprentice (Level 3) - Piramal Pharma Solutions employer: Tiro
Contact Detail:
Tiro Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Operative Apprentice (Level 3) - Piramal Pharma Solutions
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Understanding these concepts will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience with basic mechanical tools or machinery. Even if it's just tinkering with equipment at home, showing that you have a genuine interest in how things work can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical or manufacturing sectors. Attend local job fairs or industry events where you can meet people who work at Piramal Pharma Solutions or similar companies. This could lead to valuable insights and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about scenarios where you've demonstrated teamwork and problem-solving skills. Being able to articulate your experiences in a clear and concise manner will show your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Operative Apprentice (Level 3) - Piramal Pharma Solutions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Packaging Operative Apprentice position. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as operating packaging lines and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise any hands-on experience, mechanical aptitude, or teamwork skills that demonstrate your suitability for a practical role in pharmaceutical packaging.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and your motivation to learn in a fast-paced environment. Mention specific aspects of the role that excite you and how your background makes you a good fit for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a quality-focused industry like pharmaceuticals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tiro
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your genuine interest in the role and the pharmaceutical industry. Talk about why you want to be a Packaging Operative Apprentice and how it aligns with your career goals.
✨Understand GMP and SOPs
Familiarise yourself with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Being able to discuss these concepts during the interview will demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety standards.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with experienced operators, emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship and the company. This shows your interest and helps you understand what to expect, as well as demonstrating that you’ve done your homework on Piramal Pharma Solutions.