LSC Live

Types of Apprenticeships

Process Manufacturing

The process manufacturing industries produce many of life’s necessities including products like pharmaceuticals, soap and toiletries, while the refining industries (also known as Downstream) are responsible for turning crude oil into fuels and lubricants.

The process manufacturing industries face many considerable challenges: competition from companies all over the globe; the requirement to be safe, clean and sustainable; and ever-increasing public expectations for new and better products.

Technology, science and engineering underpin the success of process manufacturing industries. Research engaging employers and stakeholders has shown that there is an ongoing demand for highly skilled and flexible scientists, engineers, production operatives, managers and leaders. With an ageing workforce and a decline in the number of technically trained people coming through the system, meeting this demand has become an imperative (Read the Cogent Sector Skills Assessment for more information).

There are insufficient operators and technicians entering these industries to meet forecasted future demand. The Apprenticeship is designed to meet the needs of the process manufacturing industries by providing the future skilled operators and technicians that will have the vocational skills and knowledge to meet the challenges listed above.

After undergoing the Intermediate Level Apprenticeship and/or the Advanced Level Apprenticeship, skilled operators and technicians could find themselves working in a variety of roles that aid production. A process operator or technician would start up, control, monitor and shut down the systems and machinery involved in production. A maintenance technician would keep the equipment in good working order. A refinery operator/technician would monitor and assist in the production of refinery products.

Job roles

Intermediate Level Apprenticeship