Electroplating Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Stainless Plating Limited (SPL)

Location: 24 Don Rd, Sheffield, S9 2UB

Working for SPL Stainless Plating Limited (SPL) is a long-established company based in Sheffield, with over 95 years of experience in precision surface engineering and metal finishing. We work with major industries like aerospace, defence, electronics, and oil & gas, providing high-quality electroplating, anodising, and coating services.

As an apprentice with SPL, you'll gain hands-on experience in our purpose-built facility, learning techniques such as anodising, chromate conversion, hard chrome plating, and non-destructive testing (NDT). You'll also develop practical skills in quality assurance and get the chance to work on projects for industry leaders like Rolls-Royce and Airbus.

We're committed to sustainability and responsible practices, holding accreditations like AS9100 Rev D, NADCAP, and ISO 14001. This is a great opportunity to start your career with a company that values quality, innovation, and long-term development.

The Package

• Starting hourly rate of GBP 9.64 (increasing to National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable)
• 38 hours per week Monday to Thursday, 7:45am - 4:15pm; Friday, 7:00am - 1:00pm
• 23 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Company Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cashplan

What will I be doing as an Electroplating Technician Apprentice?

As an Electroplating Technician Apprentice you will learn how to carry out chemical surface treatments according to customer requirements and industry standards. You will gain hands-on experience in jigging and wiring parts, maintaining treatment solutions and equipment, and conducting in-process inspections to ensure quality finishes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform chemical surface treatments following customer specifications and work instructions.
• Prepare components by jigging and wiring to prevent damage during processing.
• Clean and maintain treatment solutions, equipment, and the workspace throughout each shift.
• Carry out daily checks and complete relevant logs and records accurately.
• Review job packs (including route cards and drawings) before commencing treatment.
• Conduct in-process inspections according to work instructions and inspect finished components for quality.
• Record all processes and data on AeroDNA, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Take solution samples for laboratory analysis and make necessary adjustments based on results.
• Report any issues with equipment, plant, or solutions to the Line Manager promptly.
• Support other areas of the business when not engaged in main treatment activities.

What could the future look like?

As an Electroplating Apprentice, your journey at Stainless Plating Limited is the first step toward building a successful career in surface engineering and metal finishing. Through practical, hands-on training, you will gain the technical expertise needed to perform electroplating processes safely and efficiently while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

In this role, you will play a key part in driving continuous improvements in production efficiency and quality assurance. As you develop your skills, you will also take personal responsibility for your own professional growth, gaining valuable experience in operating plating equipment, conducting inspections, and maintaining treatment solutions.

Over time, you will have the opportunity to progress into more specialised technical roles or even supervisory positions, taking ownership of production processes and gaining expertise in health, safety, and environmental compliance. You may also become involved in quality management and process optimisation, contributing to cost efficiency and innovation within the business.

There's no limit to what you can achieve with Stainless Plating Limited. Our team is at the heart of our success, and we are looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With commitment and dedication, successful apprentices have the potential to secure full-time positions and advance their careers within the company. This apprenticeship offers a solid foundation for long-term career progression, equipping you with the skills to excel in surface engineering and beyond.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

What will you bring?

At SPL, we're looking for someone who is eager to learn, hands-on, and ready to get stuck in from day one. This is a practical role, so you should enjoy working in a structured, process-driven environment where attention to detail and focus are essential. You'll need to be adaptable, able to cope with change, and have a strong awareness of health and safety regulations.

Good communication skills are important, as you'll be working closely with a team to ensure smooth operations. If you enjoy working with tools and technical equipment, this apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to develop your skills and build a long-term career in process operations.

To succeed in this role, you'll need enthusiasm, teamwork, and a hunger to learn. If you love being busy and hands-on and want to be part of a company that values growth and development, we'd love to hear from you!

Please note: Due to the nature of this position, applicants must be 18+

Experience

Previous experience in a manufacturing or process environment is great but not essential. More important is having the right attitude and aptitude to fit into the team and learn the role. If you've worked with tools, machinery, or technical equipment, that's a bonus!

Qualifications

We believe enthusiasm and a strong work ethic are more important than formal qualifications. The most successful apprentices are those who are curious about the industry, willing to ask questions, and excited to develop their skills. If you're keen to learn and grow, we'll provide the training you need to succeed.

Even if this doesn't sound like a perfect match, but you believe you'd be a great fit, get in touch! We're always open to hearing from passionate individuals who want to succeed in the industry.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Over 24 months, you'll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on 'off the job' training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship. You'll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at SPL who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you'll need to succeed in your career.

Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you'll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment. The best part? You'll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!

Eligibility

While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you'll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government. As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise. If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.

You'll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

If you don't quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you're interested here and we'll get in touch to discuss this further with you.