At a Glance
- Tasks: Train in machine shop skills and gain hands-on experience in production.
- Company: Join Barton Firtop Engineering, a leader in the oil and gas industry.
- Benefits: Earn £16,640 to £26,436.80 with flexible hours and professional training.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to lead projects in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real-world experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; passion for engineering is a must.
The predicted salary is between 16640 - 26436 £ per year.
To train in all aspects of the Machine Shop environment and work towards gaining a competency/skill based NVQ, which will take place on site. Wage £16,640 to £26,436.80, depending on your age National Minimum Wage. Hours Monday to Friday, 07:00 - 16:00. We operate a flexi‑time policy to enable employees to choose their preferred working pattern, i.e. start/end times of their working day, within timeframes set by the company and agreed by line managers. 40 hours a week. Duration 1 year.
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Shall be fully committed to the achievement of the company policies and objectives with attention to quality and safety, in line with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements.
- Carry out duties in a safe, timely, economic and effective manner.
- Shall possess an understanding and be competent in using and interpreting engineering data and documentation.
- Shall perform tasks within the Production department, as requested by production personnel, which are commensurate with the nature of the departmental workload.
- After suitable training and under supervision, shall perform tasks commensurate with the skill base and experience within the relevant Production area.
- Shall carry out manual turning techniques.
- Shall carry out manual milling techniques.
- Prepare and use lathes for turning operations.
- Prepare and use milling machines.
- Be competent in the use of computer software packages to assist with engineering activities.
- Understand the principles of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining/fabrication.
- Shall undertake reasonable instructions and tasks from senior personnel, commensurate with the nature of the job and in the best interests of the company.
Staff relationship:
- Directly responsible to the Works Manager/Production Planning Manager.
- Liaises internally with departmental trainers.
- Liaises with assigned mentor for apprenticeship work and progress.
- Liaises with contacts at the appointed learning provider for apprenticeship work.
Training:
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills. You will be required to attend Advance 1 Campus, Dudley College, DY1 4AD, 1 day per week in term time only. Upon successful completion you will receive a Level 2 Engineering Operative - Mechanical Manufacture qualification. You will be assigned an assessor who will visit the workplace every 6‑8 weeks to support you on your apprenticeship. Functional skills may be required as part of this apprenticeship.
More training information:
- Manual handling training.
- Crane operator training.
- Gas safety training.
- Grinding/Abrasive wheels training.
- One‑to‑one instruction and guidance with long serving staff to learn and operate various machines and processes.
- Learn about various cast/forged/plate materials within the oil and gas industry and how these are applied to our products.
- Learn about various manufacturing techniques within a welding and fabrication environment.
- Learn about different non‑destructive testing techniques to increase your engineering knowledge.
- Training on equipment from 5kg to 25,000kg and learn how to handle and manufacture these items.
- Day to day problem solving will be a key skill to be taught from industry experts.
- Assembly training will be provided on our products to increase product awareness and skill set.
Requirements:
- GCSE in English (grade D/3/Level 1 Functional Skills).
- GCSE in Mathematics (grade D/3/Level 1 Functional Skills).
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills:
- Initiative.
- Professional Presentation.
- Reliability.
Other requirements:
The successful candidate must be able to travel to both Barton Firtop Engineering and Dudley College for the day release each week. The candidate must have a desire to work within an engineering company with specific interest in production and manual machining.
About this employer:
Barton Firtop Engineering is a competitive designer, manufacturer, and supplier of Strainers, Filters, Separators, Coalescers, and Flame Arresters, predominantly serving the Oil & Gas Industry. We specialise in product design and project management, ensuring on‑time delivery of strainer and filtration equipment that meets complex specifications for materials, manufacturing, NDE, documentation, and Quality Control. Our in‑house expertise includes advanced 3D Modelling, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), enabling us to design and certify to ASME VIII, Division 1 and PD5500 pressure vessel codes. We offer both fabricated and highly competitive cast designs. Barton Firtop operates a custom‑built manufacturing plant in Worcestershire (UK), which includes a pipework/vessel fabrication division. Additionally, we wholly own a competitive manufacturing facility in Goa, India, which supplies fully machined and tested cast products sourced from high‑quality ISO‑approved foundries. Barton Firtop India has been a trusted supplier to worldwide projects via our UK head office for over 20 years. The successful candidate will be initially working as part of a small team but with the correct work ethic, organisation and commitment could develop to lead and push the department forward. The company has long‑term goals to introduce new machines and techniques which the successful applicant will be a part of or could drive forward with the correct application of their skills. The long‑term goals would be to work towards being a skilled machinist and engineer.
Machine Operative Apprentice - BARTON FIRTOP ENGINEERING CO LTD employer: Dudleycol
Barton Firtop Engineering is an excellent employer that prioritises employee development through hands-on training and a supportive work environment. With a flexible working policy and a commitment to safety and quality, apprentices can expect to gain valuable skills while working alongside industry experts in a dynamic team setting. The company's focus on innovation and growth offers unique opportunities for career advancement within the engineering sector, making it an ideal place for those looking to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Operative Apprentice - BARTON FIRTOP ENGINEERING CO LTD
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like Dudleycol. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like Dudleycol, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at Dudleycol!
We think you need these skills to ace Machine Operative Apprentice - BARTON FIRTOP ENGINEERING CO LTD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining Dudleycol. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudleycol
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at Dudleycol.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at Dudleycol.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
