At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in crafting high-quality brushes from timber to finished product.
- Company: Kent Brushes, a historic brand with over 250 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and potential for full-time employment.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a legacy that supplies brushes to royal households and beyond.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; passion for craftsmanship is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 30000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a wood machinist operative to work with us to produce some of the finest brushes in the world. You would work on all aspects of the production of the brushes from timber arrival to the finished product. Training & development will be given to become fully competent using a variety of machines.
About the Employer
Kent Brushes was founded in 1777. Since that time, we’ve come to be known as one of the finest hairbrush manufacturers in the world. We’re one of the oldest British companies trading today, too, and as a Royal Warrant Holder for hairbrushes, we’ve supplied Royal households for ten consecutive Sovereign reigns. We have been involved in both World Wars, equipping millions of brushes to troops in the Army, Navy and RAF, even creating special brushes in which maps and compasses were concealed to help the war effort. Having manufactured brushes for 250 years, Kent Brushes offer an extensive choice of over 250 products, ranging from brushes for hair, body, clothes, makeup, teeth and shaving. In the UK, we have partnered with some of the nation’s most established department stores including John Lewis, Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty and Fortnum & Mason, as well as leading pharmaceutical establishments. We also distribute to more than 50 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and regions including Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East. Aside from our rich heritage and exceptional reputation, Kent Brushes are most famous for our range of hairbrushes which consists of products to cater for any hair type, length or style and budget.
What You'll Do
- Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions, and follow these instructions.
- Gain competency in a range of machinery to perform the task/operation required including static machinery, portable powered tools and hand tools.
- Prepare and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment.
- Adhere to quality standards and product accreditation processes for wood product manufacture.
- Maintain machinery and tooling and log faults for repair including greasing and clean down.
- Build tooling and set various wood working machinery including moulders, bandsaws, presses, double end tenoner and other specialist finishing machinery.
- Apply specified finishes to components and products.
- Install fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example magnetic and acoustic components on specific patented products.
- Maintain a good level of cleanliness in working areas.
Training Outcome
Successful completion of this apprenticeship could lead to a full-time position and/or further training.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Time management skills
- Orderly
Qualifications
- Essential – GCSE – English – 1+/G+
- Essential – GCSE – Maths – 1+/G+
- Desired – GCSE – English – 4+/C+
- Desired – GCSE – Maths – 4+/C+
Course Information
Course: Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)
Level: 2
Route: Engineering and manufacturing
Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements
Working Week: Monday – Thursday, 7:30am – 4:30pm. Friday, 7:30am – 12:30pm.
Expected Duration: 2 Years
Training Provider: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme, committed to employing disabled people.
Wood Manufacturing Operative Apprentice (Kent Brushes) employer: Kent Brushes
Kent Brushes is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to join a historic company renowned for its craftsmanship in brush manufacturing. With a commitment to training and development, employees can expect to gain valuable skills in wood machining while working in a supportive environment that values quality and innovation. Located in a rich heritage setting, Kent Brushes not only provides a pathway for career growth but also fosters a culture of teamwork and respect, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wood Manufacturing Operative Apprentice (Kent Brushes)
✨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 Kent Brushes. 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 Kent Brushes, 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 Kent Brushes!
We think you need these skills to ace Wood Manufacturing Operative Apprentice (Kent Brushes)
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 Kent Brushes. 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 Kent Brushes
✨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 Kent Brushes.
✨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 Kent Brushes.
✨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.
