Polymer Process Apprentice

INVISTA is part of Koch Inc, one of the largest privately-owned companies in the world. This brings with it a culture of transformation and innovation which is key to our continued success and goal of sustaining world-class levels of performance.

We are looking for a Polymer Process Apprentice with motivation and drive to join our Operations team and start a 2-year apprenticeship scheme with us in summer 2025. Our plant is dedicated to the manufacture of Nylon-6,6 fibre for the automotive airbag industry and operates continuously 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

You will gain industry-leading experience in a stable and rapidly growing sector, along with mentorship from senior professionals and a highly competitive apprenticeship qualification (L3 Polymer Processing qualification). We expect you to be proactive and innovative in discussing the company's approach to addressing product quality issues, as well as identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities for both existing and new processes and plant operations. Ultimately, this role may lead you into a career at INVISTA as a Distributed Control Systems Technician working as part of our shift teams.

This role is initially day based, Monday to Friday, however you will be required to spend periods of time throughout the apprenticeship working on our 12-hour rotating shift pattern: 2 days, 2 nights, followed by 4 days off.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assists in monitoring and performing adjustments on production scale equipment.
• Carry out small scale manufacturing trials and capability studies.
• Preparation of materials for laboratory sampling.
• Support root cause analysis and investigations for customer complaints & internal quality incidents.
• Operate the manufacturing process to the required quality and safety standards and relevant operating procedures.
• Maintain required standards of plant housekeeping to ensure safe and efficient working practices for all.
• Compliance with standards for quality and consumption of material.
• Perform in-process testing of the product being manufactured.

What You Will Bring:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years old by 1st September 2025.
• 5 GCSE’s grades A-C or 9-5 including Maths, English and Science.
• Use of initiative, with the ability to manage work autonomously and deal with changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to contribute within a team orientated environment.
• Strong desire to continuously learn and develop your knowledge and skills.
• Be proactive, have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Have high value for compliance, safety and environment.

What We Can Offer You:

The successful applicant will be predominantly site based. Distance learning will be required where you will join online training sessions delivered by our specialist training provider (The S&A Academy) remotely via day release. You will also be supported in your learning and development by your dedicated training instructor/coach, your supervisor and the operations/engineering teams. You will have opportunities for industrial training and access to global learning platforms to enable you to propel forward your career and professional development.

In addition, you will receive a starting salary of £19,500 per annum, private healthcare, 25 days holiday per annum, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Who We Are:

As a Koch company, INVISTA has a long history of working to make the world around you a better place. From parts for the automotive industry to medical equipment, air bags, food packaging and clothing, our ingredients in the nylon 6,6 and polypropylene value chains help bring many of life’s essential products to market.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company. Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.