This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Alpek Polyester UK Ltd. manufacturing shift team at Wilton, as a process industry manufacturing technician apprentice. The role involves working alongside experienced technicians, performing various operations duties to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant.
Qualification Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above, including English and mathematics.
Salary - Minimum Apprenticeship Wage.
Benefits
Holiday Allowance - xx Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays– rostered into the shift pattern when on site
Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
Onsite Parking
Paid Sick Leave
Location - Alpek Polyester UK Ltd., Wilton International, TS10 4XZ
Working Hours
During Year 1 the hours will vary but on average will be Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5pm.
On site, 40 hours per week; annualised over a 12-hour shift pattern, covering 365 days p.a. Some overtime may be required at certain times.
1 hour unpaid lunch break
Duration - 36 months
Start Date - Early September 2026
Interview Date - Week commencing 20th July 2026
Closing Date for Applications - 3rd July 2026
To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. Once you submit, you will receive an email to verify your email address that will then submit your application to us. If you do not receive an email confirming your application, please check with us that this has been submitted.
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
Job Description
Cogent Skills is working with Alpek Polyester UK Ltd. to recruit two Apprentice Process Industry Manufacturing Technicians for its manufacturing operations on Teesside.
Under the direction of the Shift Manager, the Apprentices will work within the process operations team, performing various operations duties to ensure the safe, environmentally compliant, and efficient running of the plant.
Job Responsibilities
This is very much a ‘hands-on’ role and, under supervision, your responsibilities will include:
working safely in a high-hazard environment, under highly regulated conditions, wearing safety equipment, as directed, and complying with all health, safety and environmental policies and procedures at all times
working in varied conditions, inside and outside, on two process plants or in associated process control rooms
assisting in the start-up, operation and shut-down of plant systems
monitoring, inspecting and controlling plant conditions to ensure plant systems and processes are operating within operational parameters, making adjustments to maximise plant efficiency, minimise cost, meet environmental compliance and ensure product specification
inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining the equipment in accordance with operational instructions
resolving and reporting, or escalating, process, quality, health and safety, environment, and operating environment issues when operating out of normal parameters
working alongside the plant engineering and maintenance personnel to conduct first line routine maintenance and testing of process and plant equipment
conducting handover responsibilities - receiving information from or providing information to other shifts or maintenance teams
completing process documentation
You will be required to work 12-hour shifts on plants running 365-day operations (after a period of foundation training and where working time regulations allow)
This is an exciting time, and a fantastic opportunity, to embark on a hands-on career with Alpek Polyester UK Ltd, a leading global company within the industrial sciences sector.
Candidate Requirements
Skills/Personal Qualities
Works well with a variety of different people as part of a team
Communicates effectively verbally and in writing, using a full range of skills – questioning, listening, checking
Practical – works well with hands
Ability to complete work accurately to schedule and on time
Ability to respond to changing workloads, showing flexibility
Enthusiastic individual who has a high level of personal pride in their work
Completes tasks thoroughly and pays attention to detail
Approaches problems in a logical manner
Alert to potential issues and curious to continually learn
Aptitude and passion for ‘hands on’ learning
Training To Be Delivered
Qualification being 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: Block release - : 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 Alpek Polyester, 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 people, we are looking to continue to develop the Apprentices upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship. Subject to satisfactory completion of the Apprenticeship, candidates may be considered for any available permanent positions.
Things To Be Considered
You must be able to travel to the place of work (Hartlepool College or Alpek Polyester UK Ltd. site). Times of work may vary and may, for limited periods, include night shifts and weekend work. You will be required to work 12-hour shifts on plants running 365-day operations (after a period of foundation training and where working time regulations allow)
Cogent Skills is managing the recruitment process in partnership with Alpek Polyester UK Ltd. 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 Alpek Polyester UK Ltd. must also apply in this way.
About Alpek Polyester UK Ltd
Alpek Polyester UK Ltd is a subsidiary of Alpek Polyester, a global leader in the production of PTA (Terephthalic Acid), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Resins and PET Recycling (rPET), Specialty Polymers; Polyester Fibers (Staple and Filament). This integrated business services customers all over the world using its global network of manufacturing entities in Mexico, USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and the Middle East. Based at our 64-acre manufacturing facility at Wilton in Teesside, we have the ability to produce more than 200,000 tonnes of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) resin chips every year.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is the chemical name for polyester. It is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic belonging to the polyester family. It is typically called ‘polyester’ when used for fibres or fabrics, and ‘PET’ or ‘PET Resin’ when used for bottles, jars, containers, and packaging applications. When recycled, it is referred to as ‘rPET’.
PET can also be produced into PET Sheet, which can further be directed in the food and packaging market. It is a customisable, ideal packaging material for products including baked goods, produce, pre-packaged food, yoghurt, eggs and more.
Our mission is to excel at improving everyday lives delivering better and more responsible solutions through chemistry and materials. Our vision is to strengthen our market leadership in the chemicals and materials by exceeding the evolving needs of our customers. We care for the planet and the environment, so we have been directing our efforts towards having the best and most environmentally conscious manufacturing processes and operations possible. We have a focus on recycling and building PET based circular economies to fully capture the unique benefits of PET throughout its life cycle.
Alpek Polyester UK Ltd offers employees the opportunity to work within a leader in its field. Coupled with our great benefits package and development opportunities, we truly provide an environment that is conducive to success both professionally and personally.
