Composite Technician Apprenticeship

Scheme Purpose

Our four-year Composite Technician Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on experience at our specialist Composites Division in Clevedon, Somerset, with classroom learning at Weston College.

You will play a key role in using advanced materials to manufacture components for our executive passenger seating.

Gain specialist skills across design, tooling, moulding, lay-up, curing, machining, inspection, testing, repair and material production, developing expertise that supports cutting-edge manufacturing programmes and prepares you for a rewarding career in a high-growth industry.

Location(s): Clevedon, Somerset
Scheme Length: 4 Year
Ipeco Composites Apprentice

Details

  • Level 2 NVQ – Composites Engineering
  • Level 3 NVQ – Composites Engineering
  • Level 3 BTEC – Composites Engineering
  • Open to applicants aged 16 or over
  • An interest in composite materials and engineering
  • Willingness to learn new skills
  • 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (c) or equivalent, including Mathematics and English
  1. Download and complete the Apprenticeship Application Form
  2. Email your completed form to trainingcentre@ipeco.com
  3. Await an invitation to take part in the interview process

Content

  • Induction and Basic Training: Initial induction and basic training in areas such as bench fitting skills, and manual machining (mill and lathe).
  • Classroom Learning: Off-the-job training at a college to work towards a Level 3 Engineering qualification or Technical Diploma.
  • Core Practical Activities:
    • Learning and adhering to health and safety procedures
    • Reading and interpreting technical drawings and work instructions
    • Organizing and preparing materials and mould tools
    • Conducting basic composite pre-processing activities
    • Maintaining the work area (housekeeping)
    • Completing basic manufacturing documentation (digital or paper-based)
  • Advanced Practical Application: Transition from basic skills to conducting specific composite processing activities
  • Hands-on Manufacturing: Applying laminates to moulds, preparing for and starting curing processes (vacuum bagging, resin infusion, autoclave curing)
  • Quality Assurance: Following quality control processes during manufacture, such as checking for contaminants and recording batch numbers
  • Equipment Management: Selecting, checking, and operating a wider range of hand tools, equipment, and machinery, including calibration records
  • Problem Solving: Identifying basic issues and escalating them to supervisors when necessary
  • Complex Work: Manufacturing more geometrically complex parts and potentially operating more automated machinery
  • Proactive Maintenance: Carrying out maintenance on machines or equipment as part of preventative maintenance plans
  • Problem Identification & Solution: Investigating problems to identify underlying causes and proposing solutions
  • Team Work and Planning: Assisting in the planning and preparation of manufacturing programs and collaborating effectively within teams
  • Documentation and Communication: Mastering documentation requirements and communicating effectively with colleagues and other functions
  • Focus on Efficiency: Actively participating in continuous improvement and waste reduction activities