Apprentice Pattern Maker/Tool Maker in Dronfield

William Lee Limited are looking for an Apprentice Pattern Maker/Tool Maker to complete a Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship. As an Apprentice you will be actively involved in developing ways to improve efficiencies and production methods across the site, pro-actively seeking out problems and finding solutions. The Tool room and Patternshop are both highly-skilled departments, using a variety of materials such as plastics, casting resins, rubbers, wax, wood, mild and high-carbon steels, brass, cast iron and aluminium. You will learn how to use lathes, milling machines, sanding and bobbin machines, vertical bandsaws, pedestal drills, in addition to other hand and power tools.

Role & responsibilities:

• Producing precision fixture tooling and grippers for the automated grinding areas
• The repair and/or modification of pattern and core box tooling and making patterns for the foundries
• Manufacturing bespoke items of plant machinery for the maintenance department
• Gauges and checking equipment for Quality Assurance
• Repairing feeders and running systems
• Working to tight tolerances from engineering drawings or verbal discussions

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure compliance with the company’s health and safety and environmental policies, ensuring these are understood and upheld
• Ensure that you are always equipped with the correct personal protective equipment and is properly looked after and maintained
• Ensure that all accidents are reported and recorded in the accident book
• Ensure any spillages are cleared up immediately and the correct emergency equipment is always available

Skills required:

• Ability to multitask
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Take a critical approach to work practice and identify and suggest improvements
• Believes and promotes Health and Safety within the workplace
• Ability to remain calm and effective during stressful times
• Adapts quickly to change

Personal qualities the candidate must have:

• Self resilient and capable of making task-related decisions
• Be open to and work with change, both culturally and technically
• Works in an inclusive way
• Willingness to undertake additional tasks, within capabilities, to get the job done
• Willingness to take ownership
• Self motivated
• Task orientated
• Proactively takes actions to improve

William Lee is one of the largest foundries in the UK and British Owned. It’s continual investment in plant, processes and a dedicated workforce has enabled the company to be extremely successful, with over 150 years of history and long-term plans. We supply global markets to blue chip companies including BMW, Mercedes, Daimler.

Things to consider:

During the first year you will be required to attend the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Sheffield, full time for an initial block of study. You will return to your workplace one Friday per month. After the initial block training you will attend the AMRC Training Centre for one day a week to undertake the knowledge study. The remaining four days will be spent in company learning on the job.

Qualification Requirements:

Advanced apprenticeships entry requirements: You will need both of the following:

• GCSE English language C or 4 or above
• GCSE Maths C or 4 or above.

Applicants are also required to successfully complete a series of assessments at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre, as well as an employer recruitment and selection process to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme.