Apprentice General Hand Manufacturing Operative

You will receive hands-on training across a range of manufacturing processes at Winward Engineering.

Working with experienced members of our team, you will support them with a variety of day-to-day tasks to help ensure components move through the factory within agreed timescales and meet the required quality standards.

What you'll do

Please note you must be 18 and over due to age restrictions within the business.

As a General Hand, you will be trained to operate presses, CNC machines, and other production machinery.

You will also assist with processes including guillotining, drilling, deburring, degreasing, circling, quality inspection, and packing.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Following work instructions, engineering drawings, and manufacturing procedures
• Learning to operate workshop machinery, hand tools, and measuring equipment
• Producing work safely and to the required quality standards
• Inspecting components and reporting any problems or defects
• Handling materials, equipment, and tooling carefully and safely
• Keeping your work area clean, tidy, and organised
• Working effectively with colleagues across the business
• Taking a positive approach to training and learning new skills
• Taking pride in the quality of the work you produce

Training

This is a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship, Mechanical pathway, delivered over a period of 15 months

The apprentice will attend the training centre, In-Comm Training Services in Aldridge, WS9 8UG, 1 day per week for the first year, and the company for the rest of the time accompanied by assessor visits.

After the apprenticeship

Apprentice will remain at Level 2.

They would progress to a General Hand Role and then a Skilled General Hand Role with enough skills, and then a Senior General Hand Role with enough experience. But there would also be progression opportunities into a specialist role if desirable.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Physical fitness
• Interest in engineering

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, Design Technology (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE, English and Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

Live within a reasonable commuting distance, particularly if relying on public transport.

About the employer

At Winward Engineering, we are UK's leaders in Metal Spinning and Metal Pressing. In our 38,000 sq ft facility we also provide Fabrication, Metal Finishing, Welding, Flat Bed Cutting and Tool Making.

We produce thousands of parts each week, ranging from complex multi-process assemblies to simple stamped components. We draw on over 80 years of expertise to deliver competitively priced, top-quality British made products. In that time, we have remained an independent, family-owned business who remain dedicated to clear communication and outstanding service.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Engineering operative (level 2), Engineering and manufacturing
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: IN-COMM TRAINING AND BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 37.5 hours a week. Working week: Monday- Thursday 7.00am - 3.30pm

Friday 12.30pm finish.

• Start date: 23 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £19,500 a year