Extrusion Technician Apprentice (Level 3) – Sharpak Bridgwater

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Polymer Processing Technician L3

Location: Bridgwater

Compensation: £19,552 / year

Description


Location: Colley Lane Estate, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5YS

Working for Sharpak Bridgwater

Sharpak Bridgwater is a leading UK manufacturer of high-quality, food-safe PET packaging, proudly part of the GUILLIN Group – Europe’s market leader in eco-designed food packaging solutions.

Based in the South West of England, just a short distance from its sister site Sharpak Yate, Sharpak Bridgwater plays a key role in supplying innovative and sustainable packaging to retailers, food manufacturers, and the hospitality sector across the UK.

We specialise in trays for fresh and frozen meat, fish, and poultry, and work closely with our Yate site to provide a full range of PET and PP solutions – from standard formats to bespoke designs. We also offer CPET packaging ideal for ready meals and food service providers.

Our customers trust us for our commitment to quality, innovation, and excellent service. All our packaging is designed with sustainability in mind, proudly featuring the RECYCLE logo and contributing to major environmental initiatives like Prevented Ocean Plastic and the UK Plastic Pact.

At Sharpak Bridgwater, we don’t just make packaging – we help protect food and the planet.


The Package

• Pay: £19,552 per year (£9.40 per hour inclusive of a shift premium)
• Pay increases after 12 months to National Minimum/Living Wage (if applicable)
• Working Hours: 40 per week
• Shift Pattern: Rotating shifts (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM), Monday to Friday
• Annual Leave
• Company Pension Scheme
  
  

What will I be doing as an Extrusion Technician Apprentice?

This is a fantastic opportunity to build a career in advanced manufacturing, learning how to set up, operate, maintain, and optimise extrusion machinery used in the production of high-quality thermoplastic sheets. You'll be part of a fast-paced production environment that plays a vital role in supplying the UK’s food industry with sustainable packaging solutions.

Through structured on-the-job training and hands-on experience, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become a competent extrusion technician. This skilled role will involve working with experienced engineers and technicians to meet production targets, quality standards, and health & safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate plastic sheet extrusion machines and associated equipment.
  
  
• Assist with installation and changeover of dies, screws, tooling, and calibration devices.
  
  
• Monitor machine parameters and make adjustments to maintain consistent product quality and efficiency.
  
  
• Perform regular quality checks using tools such as micrometers, callipers, and gauges.
  
  
• Accurately record production data in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  
  
• Identify and troubleshoot common extrusion issues (e.g. die lines, thickness variation).
  
  
• Support preventative maintenance and carry out basic machine repairs.
  
  
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental policies.
  
  
• Work closely with supervisors, engineers, and quality control teams.
  
  
• Support stock control, packaging, and general production operations.
  
  
• Mentor new team members and contribute to team development.
  
  

What could the future look like?

There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with Sharpak Bridgwater. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term. As a successful applicant, there may be potential to secure a full-time position with the business at the end of your apprenticeship.

Through practical on-the-job training, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a competent Extrusion Technician, gaining experience in machine operation, production processes, and quality control. This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a career in manufacturing, ensuring efficient production, high-quality output, and strict adherence to safety standards.

This apprenticeship also offers opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to take on more specialised technical roles or progress into leadership positions within the company.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You


To thrive in this apprenticeship role at Sharpak Bridgwater, you will need:

• A willingness to learn about how equipment works.
• Basic knowledge or willingness to learn Health and Safety regulations in a manufacturing setting.
• Willingness to take on various tasks to help ensure everything runs smoothly in the factory.
• Basic computer skills for keeping track of records and information.
• Self-motivation to work independently and as part of a team, ensuring products are made to the right standards.
• Flexibility to work rotational hours and take on different roles as needed.
• Good timekeeping, organisation, and time management.
• A customer-focused attitude, being polite and professional to everyone.
• Teamwork and taking pride in your work.
• A friendly, respectful attitude to people of all backgrounds.
• Honesty and a strong work ethic.
  

Please note, due to the nature of the role, candidates must be aged 18+.

Experience


Whilst previous experience is great, we’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at Sharpak Bridgwater.

Qualifications


It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!

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 Polymer Processing Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Sharpak Bridgwater 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.