Process Technician Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3) - Venator

Cogent Skills is working with Venator to recruit 3 Apprentice Process Technicians to join their shift operations team, working on a top tier COMAH manufacturing site in Hartlepool. As part of a team of technicians, you will be responsible for providing a flexible resource for a number of production areas.

Qualification Requirements

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications) at grade 4/C or above (or with anticipated grades of 4/C or above) including maths, English and science. (Those who have completed a Level 3 Diploma in Process Technology will not be considered)

Salary

• Minimum Apprentice Wage. Salary will rise in line with national minimum age rates.
• There is the potential to gain experience on shifts during the apprenticeship, for which a shift disturbance allowance will be paid.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance - 27 days (plus statutory bank holidays) - rostered into the shift pattern when on site. Please note holidays within the first 12 months are scheduled into the college foundation stage of the programme. This is agreed and in line with the apprenticeship training plan.
• Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Onsite parking
• Onsite Canteen
• Onsite Gym

Location

• The first 12 months of the apprenticeship will be spent full time at Hartlepool College of Further Education - Hartlepool College of Further Education, Stockton St, Hartlepool TS24 7NT. This will be followed by 24 months of hands-on, onsite training at Venator - Venator, Greatham Works, Tees Rd, Hartlepool TS25 2DD.

Working Hours

• During Year 1 the hours will vary but on average will be Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00. Unpaid 30-minute lunch break.
• On site, apprentices will work a 38-hour week, Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:00. Unpaid 30-minute lunch break.
• There is the potential to gain experience on shifts at a later date during the apprenticeship.

Duration

• 36 months

Start Date

• September 2025

Interview Date

• July/August 2025

Closing Date for Applications

• 15th June 2025

To Apply

To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on recruitment@cogentskills.com for assistance.

Next Steps

Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email. The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager along with your application form to decide who is brought through to the final interview.

Job Responsibilities

As a Process Technician, you will:

• Perform all duties in compliance with all Venator Corporate and Venator Pigments EHS, business conduct policies, guidelines and the local site Life Saving Rules at all times. Complete all Corporate Compliance training.
• Monitor and control the operation of process plants to ensure that process parameters are maintained within accepted limits.
• Analyse minor processing and equipment problems in order to effect solutions.
• Control the offloading of raw materials from external suppliers into the plant, and the loading of intermediate product from the plant into Road Tankers prior to transport.
• Take samples of process intermediates and carry out on plant testing as required by quality control systems.
• Advise and brief Senior Technicians on emerging plant situations and manage process upsets in a safe, timely and effective manner.
• Ensure completion of scheduled surveys and reports including standard work activities, check sheets etc.
• Prepare the plant for Intrusive Maintenance via completion of the appropriate isolation and preparation procedures in line with our Safe Systems of Work.
• Contribute to the development of procedures/work instructions and continuous improvement activities.

The Apprentices will follow the employer-led Process Industry Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard, which will combine practical, technical and behavioural training with theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology.

Candidate Requirements

Skills

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, using a full range of skills – questioning, listening, checking.
• Work and interact effectively within a team.
• Practical – works well with hands.
• Time management and ability to complete work accurately to schedule.
• Ability to handle change and respond to change management processes.
• Analytical thinker with ability to approach problems in a logical manner.

Personal Qualities

• Works well with a variety of different people as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic individual who has a high level of personal pride in their work.
• Completes tasks thoroughly and pays attention to detail.
• Positive attitude and results focused.
• Willingness to learn.
• Aptitude and passion for ‘hands on’ learning.

Training To Be Delivered

Qualification to be delivered: Process Industry Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Process Technology.

Apprenticeship Standard

Process Industry Manufacturing Technician.

Training Provider

Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Delivery model

The first 12 months of the apprenticeship will be spent full time at Hartlepool College of Further Education (HCFE) to complete the foundation training and qualification, with a minimum 2 weeks of site placements. This will be followed by 24 months of hands-on, onsite training at Venator, with regular support and guidance visits from your HCFE assessor, and end point assessment. Any further agreed study in years two and three will be through day release.

Future Prospects

This role is part of our talent planning for the future and, for the right person, we are looking to continue to develop the Apprentice upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship. Subject to satisfactory completion of the Apprenticeship, candidates will be considered for any available permanent positions.

Things To Be Considered

The Apprentice must be able to travel to the place of work (Hartlepool College or Venator site). Times of work may vary and may, for limited periods, include night shifts and weekend work.

Cogent Skills is managing the recruitment process in partnership with Venator. The successful candidates will be employed by Cogent Skills Services but will undertake all on-job learning with Venator. To ensure fairness and equality of opportunity all applications must be made by completing the application on the Cogent Skills Apprenticeship portal. Those who have previously expressed an interest in opportunities with Venator must also apply in this way.

About Venator

Venator is a leading global chemical company dedicated to the development and manufacture of titanium dioxide pigments and performance additives. Worldwide we operate 27 facilities and employ more than 4,500 people, who serve customers in more than 110 countries. Our broad and versatile portfolio of leading pigments and additives includes many well-known brand names and industry-leading products. Venator’s products are used as intelligent ingredients in thousands of everyday items including coatings, plastics, cosmetics, paper, pharmaceuticals, fibres, films, inks, catalysts, concrete, building materials and in water purification.