At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Quality & Compliance Apprentice, inspecting and ensuring top-notch playground equipment.
- Company: Wicksteed is the UK's leading manufacturer of outdoor playground equipment with over 100 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Earn £15,311.40 in your first year, with potential wage increases and hands-on training.
- Other info: Work four days on-site and one day remotely, with a total apprenticeship duration of 20 months.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in quality control while contributing to safe and fun playgrounds for children.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and Engineering or relevant BTEC qualifications required.
Closes in 11 days (Thursday 4 September 2025 at 11:59pm)
Wicksteed is the leading manufacturer of outdoor playground equipment in the UK. Wicksteed Leisure Ltd are seeking an apprentice to support its Quality Control and Quality Assurance department. This will primarily involve day-to-day hands-on quality inspections, recording data, reporting faults and implementing improvement actions.
Wage
£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Hours Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 4:30pm and 7:30am to 12:30pm Fridays.
39 hours a week
Tuesday 23 September 2025
Duration
1 year 8 months
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you\'ll do at work
The apprenticeship with initially be spent checking the quality of manufactured goods. Full on the job training will be provided alongside your tuition.
What you will be doing.
- Assisting in checking the quality of fabricated and machined items against our technical drawings within our engineering and welding departments
- Ensuring that products painted in our powder coating plant are to an acceptable standard
- Confirming that the quality and quantities are correct when goods are received from our suppliers
- Fault-finding and problem-solving quality issues and reporting your findings
- Keeping records of all of your activities and findings
- Once qualified, you will assist with monitoring our compliance with regulatory and ISO accreditations
Where you\'ll work
Digby Street
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN16 8YJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
- Identify, interpret and apply relevant legal, governmental or industry regulations affecting the organisation.
- Communicate using appropriate methods (verbal, written, visual) to influence internal and external stakeholders, using appropriate questioning techniques such as open questions, leading questions.
- Identify, collect and analyse relevant quality data using appropriate tools and techniques such as Pareto analysis, statistical methods and trending analysis.
- Apply methods and tools to improve the quality performance of processes, products and services such as production control plans, standardised work, use of failure modes and effects.
- Identify, analyse and prioritise quality specific risks and opportunities. Support the development, implementation and effectiveness of resulting actions.
- Plan and conduct system, product or process audits.
- Assess the effectiveness of the measurement systems using tool such as Measurement Systems Analysis.
- Identify requirements from technical documents, commercial input or stakeholder statements and converting to definitions that can drive the organisations processes
- Identify gaps in process performance and develop improvement plans to close gaps.
- Apply structured problem solving including identification, definition, measurement, analysis, improvement and control methods and tools.
- Communicate organisational quality strategy to all levels of the organisation.
- Identify who the internal and external stakeholders are and their current and optimal positions (such as hostile, help it work, opposed, uncooperative, indifferent, hesitant, enthusiastic support) required to support quality related activities.
- Identify, interpret and apply relevant legal, governmental or industry regulations affecting the organisation.
- Communicate using appropriate methods (verbal, written, visual) to influence internal and external stakeholders, using appropriate questioning techniques such as open questions, leading questions.
- Identify, collect and analyse relevant quality data using appropriate tools and techniques such as Pareto analysis, statistical methods and trending analysis.
- Apply methods and tools to improve the quality performance of processes, products and services such as production control plans, standardised work, use of failure modes and effects.
- Identify, analyse and prioritise quality specific risks and opportunities. Support the development, implementation and effectiveness of resulting actions.
- Plan and conduct system, product or process audits.
- Assess the effectiveness of the measurement systems using tool such as Measurement Systems Analysis.
- Identify requirements from technical documents, commercial input or stakeholder statements and converting to definitions that can drive the organisations processes
- Identify gaps in process performance and develop improvement plans to close gaps.
- Apply structured problem solving including identification, definition, measurement, analysis, improvement and control methods and tools.
- Communicate organisational quality strategy to all levels of the organisation.
- Identify who the internal and external stakeholders are and their current and optimal positions (such as hostile, help it work, opposed, uncooperative, indifferent, hesitant, enthusiastic support) required to support quality related activities.
You will spend approximately 4 days a week hands on learning on the factory floor and how to complete your tasks, the remaining day will be spent completing your qualification training programme. This will be completed remotely (online) via our training partner.
The total duration of this programme is 20 months, which involves 14 months of ‘on programme’ delivery and then a 6-month end-point assessment period where a continuous improvement project is completed, which forms part of the end-point assessment.
Requirements
GCSE in:
- English (grade Grade 4 / C or above)
- Maths (grade Grade 4 / C or above)
- Science (grade Grade 4 / C or above)
BTEC in:
Engineering or Any / Other Subject (grade Pass or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Analytical skills
- Initiative
About this employer
Wicksteed is the leading manufacturer of outdoor playground equipment in the UK. We have a longstanding history and heritage within the playground sector, developing trusted relationships with schools, councils, holiday parks and housing developers for more than 100 years.
Opportunity to progress further and possibly develop in to a more senior role.
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED
recruitment@wicksteed.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship isVAC1000338176.
Apply now
Closes in 11 days (Thursday 4 September 2025 at 11:59pm)
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#J-18808-LjbffrQuality & Compliance Apprentice – Find an Apprenticeship (findapprenticeship.gov.uk) in Kettering employer: Csr Group
Wicksteed Leisure Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to kickstart your career in quality control within the leading manufacturer of outdoor playground equipment in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will receive hands-on training and support throughout your apprenticeship, fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement. Located in Kettering, Northamptonshire, Wicksteed not only provides competitive wages but also encourages progression into more senior roles, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality & Compliance Apprentice – Find an Apprenticeship (findapprenticeship.gov.uk) in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with quality control and assurance processes. Understanding the basics of quality inspections and data recording will give you a solid foundation to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Wicksteed Leisure Ltd and their products. Knowing about their outdoor playground equipment and their commitment to quality will show your genuine interest in the company and the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and any relevant experiences. Think of examples where you've used problem-solving techniques or worked with data, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills. Since the role involves interacting with various stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will be key during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality & Compliance Apprentice – Find an Apprenticeship (findapprenticeship.gov.uk) in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Quality & Compliance Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to emphasise your GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and any relevant BTEC qualifications. If you have additional qualifications or experience in engineering or quality control, mention them clearly in your CV and cover letter.
Showcase Your Skills:Demonstrate your analytical skills and initiative in your application. Provide specific examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences, whether in school projects, part-time jobs, or other relevant activities.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you're interested in the apprenticeship at Wicksteed. Discuss your passion for quality control and compliance, and how you can contribute to their team. Make it personal and engaging to stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Csr Group
✨Research Wicksteed
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Wicksteed and its history in the playground equipment sector. Understanding their values and products will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the role's focus on quality control and compliance, be ready to discuss relevant technical concepts. Brush up on quality assurance methods, regulatory standards, and any specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as Pareto analysis or failure modes and effects.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical skills, so prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified problems and implemented solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could include inquiries about the training programme, opportunities for progression, or how the team measures success in quality control. It shows you're engaged and thinking about your future with the company.
