Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship
Unipres (UK) Limited · Tyne And Wear · posted 25 August 2026
Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.
Main duties and responsibilities of this apprenticeship within the Press department will include:
- Producing high quality press parts in the Press department by operating and controlling a wide range of power presses
- Quality checking to ensure compliance with company standards
Understanding of standard operations and knowledge of Strike Zones, Ergonomics and Signage - Improving current press facilities
- Working within a team to support manufacturing operations to meet customer demands
Your training
After the initial 4-week training period, where both theoretical and practical training takes place, studies continue on a day release basis at the Unipres Training Academy (at main site) on Fridays.
The qualification you will achieve throughout the apprenticeship will be the following:
- EAL Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing (Knowledge and Skills) 603/3589/0
You will develop knowledge, understanding and demonstrate skills including:
- Health & Safety: Relevant statutory, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to lean manufacturing operations and safe practices
- Environmental: Compliance procedures/systems in line with regulatory requirements e.g. ISO 14001 or other relevant environmental standards
- Production: Their individual roles and responsibilities within the organisation and the flexibility required to deliver products to meet customers costs/delivery targets/requirements
- Lean Manufacturing Operations: Manufacturing standard operation procedures (SOPs) adherence and development of lean processes
- Quality Control: Process equipment monitoring, data collection, error proofing and operating procedures e.g. ISO 9001 or other relevant quality standards
- Problem Solving: The tools and methods of effective problem-solving using data, reports and documents to resolve production related issues e.g. A3 report, graphs, matrices and escalate concerns
- Continuous Improvement: How to study and identify ways to improve the safety, quality, cost or process efficiency using lean manufacturing tools e.g. kaizen
- Communication: How to share information using a range of methods within the manufacturing environment e.g. oral, written, electronic, information boards, visual displays
- Work Place Organisation: How to maintain a safe and efficient work site through work place organisation e.g. 5s and process ownership
What we can offer you:
- Annual holiday entitlement of 26 days and 8 Bank Holiday (company shut down periods in Summer and Christmas)
- Free onsite car park
- Electric car charging points on site
- Car lease scheme
- Pension (GPP) 4.5% employee and 4.5% employer
- Life Assurance 4x pensionable pay (after 1 years’ service for GPP members)
- Private healthcare
- On-site occupational health support
- Company sick pay
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Profit share
- Sports and social club
- Long service awards
- Monthly prize draw
- On-site canteen
Where it leads
There are opportunities for progression onto higher level apprenticeships, particularly Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technicians.
Since 2016, 24% of our higher-level apprenticeship students have progressed from the Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship.
- Full-Time Production Operative
- Level 3 Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship or an appropriate
- Level 3 Apprenticeship Progression Programme
About Unipres (UK) Limited
Unipres UK Ltd is a first tier supplier and manufactures steel car components for Nissan, Renault and Honda. Our plant is based in Sunderland and has been established for over 30 years. We are a global company powered by local people – focused on achieving product excellence, committed to developing our skilled workforce and dedicated to driving forward innovation across our industry. We currently have around 1000 people employed at Unipres (UK).
Things to consider
When apprentices move from the Training Academy to the workplace, with the start time being 6:45am, this early start time can prove difficult for some apprentices who cannot drive, cycle or are unable to obtain a lift, so access to public transport must be researched to ensure punctuality at the start of the shift.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade Grade 3 (or D) and above) — desired
- GCSE Maths (grade Grade 3 (or D) and above) — desired
Where you'll work
- Cherry Blossom Way, Sunderland, Tyne And Wear, SR5 3NT
Similar apprenticeships
- Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative ApprenticeshipUnipres (UK) Limited · Tyne And Wear