Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within the Manufacturing Team could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us.

As a Group we are a global manufacturer of construction materials and our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

We are currently recruiting for a Manufacturing Apprentice (Calcination) at our Sittingbourne Plant. Within this role, you will be completing a Level 2 Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship. 

What will you learn?

• Lean Manufacturing Operatives will have the skill and understanding to work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations and other relevant guidelines.
• Identifying risks within their processes and support/carry out countermeasure activities to improve safe working. Manage tooling, equipment and materials daily, in line with supplier standards.
• Comply with environmental procedures and systems and contribute to the achievement of specific standards.
• Demonstrate their ability to carry out their role effectively, and efficiently while flexibly maintaining lean manufacturing principles to meet customers’ demands.
• Demonstrate their skill and knowledge following SOP's and building their versatility across a number of processes and process areas. Select and use appropriate tools, equipment, and materials to carry out the manufacturing operation.
• Demonstrate appropriate process documentation control. Accurately completing check sheets, monitoring processes and equipment data efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology required to meet the quality standard.
• Demonstrate their ability to identify and resolve problems within the lean manufacturing environment, using effective problem-solving tools and techniques.
• Manage problems that may occur during the manufacturing process within the limits of their responsibility and escalate as appropriate.
• Generate ideas and contribute to process improvement activities individually or as part of a team through fact-finding and analysis to improve the safety, environment, quality, cost, or production process. Identifying and eliminating the 7 wastes (defects, overproduction, transportation, waiting, inventory, motion, and processing).
• Demonstrate communication skills which include oral, written, electronic (PC), information boards, or visual displays to effectively share information.
• Maintains and monitors the work site efficiently and effectively at all times using the elements of sifting, sorting, sweeping, spick & span (5's) within the lean manufacturing environment.
• Lean Manufacturing Operatives will have the following knowledge and understanding of relevant statutory, organisational, and health and safety regulations relating to lean manufacturing operations and safe practices.
• Compliance procedures/systems in line with regulatory requirements.

What you'll be doing:

The Manufacturing Apprentice will be expected to carry out their work safely and meet quality standards that are required within Production. You will work alongside the teams to optimise the process and develop into a multi-skilled operator through process ownership. The Manufacturing Apprentice will be undertaking the Level 2 Apprenticeship standard of the lean manufacturing operatives and will be required to carry out manufacturing activities as well as autonomous maintenance activities. You will also gain a full understanding of the technical aspect of production.

What we'd love for you to have:

• Level 4 GCSE in Mathematics, English and Science
• The ability to work as a team and communicate well.

We will provide:

• A competitive salary
• Three paid days leave for community, charitable, or voluntary commitments.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• Level 3 Westfield Cashplan Healthcare.
• Income Protection
• Access to a Reward & Benefits platform.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (legal or medical advice).
• Life Assurance (x 4 times your basic salary).
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Tech Scheme

What happens next?

Closing date for this vacancy is Monday 14th April.

We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application as soon as possible.