Kick-start your career with a global leader in speciality chemicals. Join our Process Manufacturing Apprenticeship in Huddersfield and gain real industry experience, recognised qualifications and the skills to build a rewarding career in manufacturing.
Qualification Requirements
GCSE Grade 4 or above in English, maths and a relevant science subject.
Salary - £ 22,000 per annum
Salary will be reviewed annually and will rise in line with national living wage rates.
Benefits
Holiday Allowance - 25 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
Paid sick leave
Eyecare
Onsite parking
Location - Huddersfield, HD2 1FG
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 35 hours p.w. 08:00 – 16:00 in the first year, second year onwards may involve working a rotating shift pattern (TBC).
Duration - 24 months
Start Date - September 2026
Interview Date - Mid/End July 2026
Closing Date for Applications - 6th 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
Over the course of this apprenticeship, you’ll learn how a chemical plant operates in line with Standard Operating Procedures, developing the technical skills, safety mindset and practical experience needed to build a long-term career in manufacturing.
The site is a top-tier COMAH site, operating with chemicals that require strict adherence to Health & Safety procedures. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as required.
Day to day activities:
Learn to operate plant and equipment safely in line with Standard Operating Procedures
Observe plant operations and report any deficiencies promptly
Complete process documentation accurately for all work carried out on shift
Monitor processes, take readings and samples, and report abnormalities
Ensure environmental and safety protection systems are functioning correctly
Work collaboratively within the production team to keep operations running smoothly
Study towards a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Process Manufacturing alongside practical site-based experience
This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn — gaining recognised qualifications and invaluable on-the-job experience within a global organisation.
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 to be delivered:
Process Industry Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard
SIAS Level 3 Diploma in Understanding Process Industry Manufacturing
Apprenticeship Standard: Level 3 Process Industry Manufacturing Technician
Training Provider: Cogent Skills
Delivery model: Blended (mixture online and in person): the programme is a blended programme, with knowledge delivered in live online classrooms, and skills developed in the workplace with assessor support
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, the candidate may be considered for any available permanent positions.
Things To Be Considered
Cogent Skills is managing the recruitment process in partnership with Arxada. To ensure fairness and equality of opportunity all applications must be made by completing the application on the Cogent Skills Apprenticeship portal.
The successful candidate will be employed by Cogent Skills Services but will undertake all on-job learning with Arxada. at its manufacturing site in Huddersfield. You must therefore be able to travel to the place of work.
Working hours will be fixed for the first year but, from the second year onwards, you may be required to work a rotating shift pattern.
Due to the part-time and online nature of the study, you must be able to demonstrate a responsible and mature attitude to your study and work-based activities. Study time will form part of your working week.
About Arxada
Arxada is a global science-based specialty chemicals business creating innovative chemistry and solutions. The company aims to solve the world’s toughest preservation challenges by enhancing sustainability with cleaner, greener solutions.
Arxada focuses on multiple end-markets primarily in: Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection, providing a broad portfolio of differentiated products and solutions, supported by its science and innovation capabilities, in-depth regulatory know-how and track record in manufacturing and process development.
With its headquarters in Basel Switzerland, Arxada employs 3100 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R+D centres.
Arxada (Arch) Huddersfield is a manufacturing site operating 24/7 to produce solutions for the wood protection, and paints and coatings sectors.
Our vision for solving the world’s toughest preservation challenges can only be achieved through the hard work and dedication of our highly valued employees. We strive to create an environment that is collaborative, inclusive and unlocks each individual’s unique talents. Our employees are empowered to learn and grow, while bringing their best skills and abilities to work every day.
