Production Apprentice in Sittingbourne

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within the Production department could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us. As a Group, we are a global manufacturer of construction materials and our 43,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

We’re pleased to be recruiting a Production Apprentice for our Sittingbourne plant. The apprenticeship follows the Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 standard delivered by IPS International.

Can you say yes? Are you punctual, reliable, and accountable for your actions? Do you maintain the quality of your work whilst under pressure? Are you willing to follow company policies and standards without exception? If so we would welcome your application.

What you’ll be doing:

• As a Production Apprentice, you will work safely and to defined quality standards while supporting day-to-day manufacturing and autonomous maintenance activities.
• Working with the production team, you will help optimise processes, take ownership of defined areas, and develop into a multi-skilled operator.
• While completing the Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship standard, you will build a solid understanding of the technical aspects of production and apply lean principles to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

Responsibilities include:

• Follow all Health & Safety procedures; stop and elevate hazards.
• Support safe, efficient Boardline production in a fast-paced plasterboard plant.
• Operate equipment per SOPs (start-up, in-process checks, shutdown).
• Perform routine material/product testing and inspections; record results; maintain document control and traceability.
• Learn and apply the Boardline process and critical control points; build technical knowledge of plasterboard manufacture.
• Carry out autonomous maintenance (clean, inspect, lubricate, minor adjustments) and raise work requests as needed.
• Communicate issues and handovers clearly with team members and other production teams.
• Meet safety, quality, output and waste KPIs; apply lean/5S and problem-solving tools; participate in audits and housekeeping; suggest improvements.
• Complete apprenticeship coursework and e-learning on time; maintain an up-to-date training log; engage in training and share learning.
• Support other production processes across the Knauf site and undertake related duties as required.

What we’d love for you to have:

• 3 GCSE Passes at Grade 4 (or above)
• Computer literate.
• Committed to continuous personal development.
• Able to communicate with peers and colleagues.

We will provide:

• A competitive salary of around £17,000.
• Three paid days leave for community, charitable, or voluntary commitments.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• Level 3 Westfield Cashplan Healthcare.
• Income Protection.
• Access to a Reward & Benefits platform.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (legal or medical advice).
• Life Assurance (x 4 times your basic salary).
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Tech Scheme.

What happens next? We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within three working days.