Apprentice Wood Product Operative (Joinery)

Apprentice Timber Window and Door Manufacturer

Qualification: NVQ Level 2 in Wood Product Manufacture

Training Provider: Middlesbrough College, working in partnership with CITB

Start Your Career With a Leading Timber Window and Door Manufacturer

We are the leading manufacturers and installers of high-quality timber windows and doors across the North East and Yorkshire.

With more than 45 years of experience, we have built an excellent reputation for manufacturing energy-efficient, made-to-measure timber products for residential, retail and commercial customers.

Due to continued growth, we now have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our skilled manufacturing team within our modern, state-of-the-art production facility.

This is an excellent opportunity to begin a long-term career within an established, ethical and growing business that has a strong reputation for quality, training and positive employee relations.

About the Apprenticeship

This is a structured two-year apprenticeship designed to give you the practical skills, technical knowledge and industry-recognised qualifications needed to build a successful career in timber manufacturing.

You will work alongside experienced joiners, wood machinists, paint sprayers and production employees, learning how high-quality timber windows and doors are manufactured from start to finish.

Your training will combine practical experience in our production facility with formal learning delivered through our training partners at Middlesbrough College and CITB.

The company will invest significantly in your development and will cover the cost of your salary and apprenticeship training.

On successful completion of the first two years, there may be an opportunity to progress to a Level 3 qualification and continue developing your career within the business.

What You Will Learn

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will develop practical skills in a wide range of areas, including:

• Manufacturing timber windows and doors.
• Working with experienced bench joiners and wood machinists.
• Reading drawings, cutting lists and production information.
• Measuring and marking timber accurately.
• Selecting and preparing timber materials.
• Using hand tools safely and correctly.
• Learning how to operate woodworking machinery.
• Cutting, shaping, assembling and finishing timber components.
• Understanding different timber types and their uses.
• Learning how windows and doors are constructed.
• Fitting components, hardware, seals and ironmongery.
• Checking products for accuracy and quality.
• Understanding manufacturing tolerances and specifications.
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised working environment.
• Identifying defects and helping to resolve production issues.
• Working effectively as part of a busy production team.

You will gradually be given more responsibility as your confidence, knowledge and practical abilities develop.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As an apprentice, your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with our joiners, machinists and production employees.
• Learning each stage of the timber window and door manufacturing process.
• Following instructions from experienced team members and supervisors.
• Completing practical tasks carefully and accurately.
• Making effective use of working time.
• Attending college and completing all coursework and assessments.
• Keeping your apprenticeship records and portfolio up to date.
• Following all company health and safety procedures.
• Using tools, equipment and machinery responsibly.
• Wearing the required personal protective equipment.
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping.
• Treating colleagues, customers and company property with respect.
• Taking pride in the quality of your work.
• Demonstrating a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Exceeding customer expectations is a fundamental part of our business. You will learn how every stage of the manufacturing process contributes to the quality of the finished product and the service our customers receive.

Training and Qualifications

During the apprenticeship, you will work towards an:

NVQ Level 2 in Wood Product Manufacture

The qualification will be delivered in partnership with Middlesbrough College and CITB.

The apprenticeship will normally last for two years and will include:

• Practical, workplace-based training.
• Support from experienced manufacturing employees.
• College-based learning.
• Regular progress reviews.
• Practical assessments.
• Written coursework and portfolio development.
• Health and safety training.
• Training in timber manufacturing techniques.
• Support in developing workplace confidence and employability skills.

Following successful completion of the Level 2 apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress to a Level 3 qualification, subject to performance, business requirements and individual development.

Who We Are Looking For

No previous manufacturing or joinery experience is required. We are looking for someone with the right attitude, work ethic and willingness to learn.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Enthusiastic about learning a practical trade.
• Interested in timber, joinery, manufacturing or construction.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Hard-working and willing to listen.
• Able to follow instructions carefully.
• Comfortable working as part of a team.
• Willing to attend college and complete coursework.
• Safety-conscious and responsible.
• Able to communicate clearly with colleagues.
• Willing to ask questions and learn from experienced employees.
• Focused on producing high-quality work.
• Keen to build a long-term career.

You do not need to know exactly what career you want before joining us. We will provide the support, training and guidance needed to help you develop.

Entry Requirements

The role would be particularly suitable for:

• School leavers.
• Applicants aged 16 to 18.
• Young people looking to begin a practical career.
• Applicants interested in joinery, timber manufacturing or woodworking.
• Existing apprentices who are considering changing training providers.
• Trainees who would like to move into timber window and door manufacturing.
• Applicants from other age groups who can demonstrate a genuine interest in the role.

Although the position may be especially suited to school leavers, applications will be considered from candidates of all ages.

Applicants should ideally have, or be working towards, GCSEs in English and mathematics. Support may be available for candidates who need to complete functional skills as part of the apprenticeship.

Previous Apprentices and Trainees

We will also consider applications from apprentices or trainees who are currently working with another employer or training provider but are looking for a change in career direction.

Applicants who have already started training in joinery, carpentry, construction, manufacturing or a related area are encouraged to apply.

Any previous learning or qualifications may be considered when planning your individual training programme.

What We Offer

In return, we offer:

• A fully supported two-year apprenticeship.
• A recognised NVQ Level 2 qualification.
• The possibility of progressing to Level 3.
• Full-time paid employment throughout your training.
• All apprenticeship training costs covered by the business.
• Practical training from experienced joiners and machinists.
• Support from the Operations Director and wider production team.
• Experience within a modern, state-of-the-art production facility.
• The opportunity to learn a valuable and transferable trade.
• Stable employment within an established and growing company.
• A positive and supportive working environment.
• Genuine opportunities for long-term career development.
• The chance to become a skilled member of our manufacturing team.
• Experience producing high-quality products for customers across the North East and Yorkshire.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship With Us?

An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn a wage, gain practical experience and achieve a recognised qualification at the same time.

You will not simply be observing others. You will become an important member of the production team and will develop real skills while working on high-quality timber windows and doors.

Our experienced employees will support you throughout your development, helping you build confidence and gradually take on more challenging work.

This apprenticeship could lead to a long-term career in areas such as:

• Bench joinery.
• Wood machining.
• Timber window and door manufacturing.
• CNC machinery operation.
• Production supervision.
• Quality control.
• Technical manufacturing.
• Installation or site work.
• Production planning and management.

For the right person, this is the beginning of a career rather than simply a two-year training programme.

How to Apply

Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a short covering statement explaining:

• Why you are interested in the apprenticeship.
• Why you would like to work in timber manufacturing.
• What interests you about learning a practical trade.
• Any relevant school subjects, work experience, hobbies or practical skills.
• Why you believe you would be a reliable and committed member of the team.

Previous experience is not essential. We are more interested in your attitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Job Type: Apprenticeship

Pay: From £360.00 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Middlesbrough TS6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person