Chemical Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

Summary

Nufarm are looking for Chemical Manufacturing Technician Apprentices to join their August 2025 cohort. As an Apprentice at Nufarm, you will receive hands-on training in the safe and efficient operation of plant and equipment, supporting the manufacturing process under the guidance of the Site Continuous Improvement Leader.

Wage

£16,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Starting salary of £16,000 per year (increasing in line with National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable)

Training course

Process industry manufacturing technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8.45am - 5.00pm

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Possible start date

Monday 18 August

Duration

2 years

Positions available

3

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Your key responsibilities will include:

Learning how a chemical plant operates by following Standard Operating Instructions and ensuring all equipment is used safely and efficiently in line with Standard Operating Procedures
Maintaining the highest standards of health and safety compliance while carrying out daily tasks
Observing plant, equipment, and services, and promptly reporting any issues or deficiencies
Ensuring all Process Documentation is completed accurately for each shift
Monitoring and testing environmental protection systems to ensure they are functioning correctly, reporting any deficiencies, and taking immediate action where necessary
Supporting the smooth operation of the department, maintaining good housekeeping standards in the workplace
Observing and monitoring chemical manufacturing processes, taking readings and samples, and reporting any deviations from expected results

This apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity to develop industry-specific skills, gain real-world experience, and build a strong foundation for a career in chemical manufacturing.

Where you’ll work

Nufarm Wyke Lane
Wyke
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD12 9EJ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

TIRO TRAINING LTD

Your training course

Process industry manufacturing technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Review instructions or information to understand the task.
Plan tasks. Identify and organise resources with consideration for safety, environmental impact, quality, and cost.
Identify hazards and risks in the workplace and personal safety and mitigation measures.
Apply health, safety, and environmental procedures in compliance with regulations, standards, and guidance.
Follow environment emergency procedures. For example, make area safe, evacuate.
Apply sustainability principles for example, minimising waste.
Apply standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Check equipment.
Select, check, and prepare raw materials for process for example, weighing, measuring, control and blending, conditioning, dissolving, and sanitisation.
Set and adjust processing parameters such as temperature, pressure, speed or time, distance.
Monitor process for example, take readings and conduct walk-arounds.
Conduct the control of product streams to maintain specifics.
Apply quality assurance procedures. For example, density checks, contaminant check, and take samples for laboratory testing.
Apply intermediate or post-manufacturing procedure for example, labelling, packing, storage, visual inspection, discharge.
Manage waste streams.
Clean equipment for example, boil-outs, steam-outs, bake-outs, steam in place SIP, clean in place (CIP).
Conduct calculations for example, conversations, tare weight, charge weights, yield calculations.
Store tools and equipment.
Identify equipment for handover.
Apply signage and access restriction measures.
Shut down the process and equipment.
Isolate process and systems.
Complete isolation checks.
Empty equipment for example, drain, purge, vent, and de-pressure.
Purge, fill, pressurise and leak test.
Complete post maintenance equipment checks.
Line-up equipment.
Connect service connections such as water, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic for chemical or petrochemical processing.
De-isolate process, mechanical and electrical systems.
Complete pre-start up checks.
Start-up plant and equipment.
Re-start process.
Record or enter information - paper based or electronic.
Interpret data for example, process data, quality control and test procedure data.
Interpret drawings and graphs.
Identify issues for example, defects, deviations, process variance, and maintenance requirements.
Escalate issues outside limits of responsibility.
Apply problem solving and fault-finding techniques.
Apply continuous improvement techniques. Make a suggestion for improvement.
Use information and digital technology for example, management information systems, human machine interfaces, word processing, spreadsheet, email, virtual learning platforms, document sharing platforms. Comply with cyber security requirements.
Produce written documents for example, handover notes or emails, non-conformances, design change requests.
Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
Apply team working principles.
Plan how to meet personal development needs. Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development (CPD) activities.
Review instructions or information to understand the task.
Plan tasks. Identify and organise resources with consideration for safety, environmental impact, quality, and cost.
Identify hazards and risks in the workplace and personal safety and mitigation measures.
Apply health, safety, and environmental procedures in compliance with regulations, standards, and guidance.
Follow environment emergency procedures. For example, make area safe, evacuate.
Apply sustainability principles for example, minimising waste.
Apply standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Check equipment.
Select, check, and prepare raw materials for process for example, weighing, measuring, control and blending, conditioning, dissolving, and sanitisation.
Set and adjust processing parameters such as temperature, pressure, speed or time, distance.
Monitor process for example, take readings and conduct walk-arounds.
Conduct the control of product streams to maintain specifics.
Apply quality assurance procedures. For example, density checks, contaminant check, and take samples for laboratory testing.
Apply intermediate or post-manufacturing procedure for example, labelling, packing, storage, visual inspection, discharge.
Manage waste streams.
Clean equipment for example, boil-outs, steam-outs, bake-outs, steam in place SIP, clean in place (CIP).
Conduct calculations for example, conversations, tare weight, charge weights, yield calculations.
Store tools and equipment.
Identify equipment for handover.
Apply signage and access restriction measures.
Shut down the process and equipment.
Isolate process and systems.
Complete isolation checks.
Empty equipment for example, drain, purge, vent, and de-pressure.
Purge, fill, pressurise and leak test.
Complete post maintenance equipment checks.
Line-up equipment.
Connect service connections such as water, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic for chemical or petrochemical processing.
De-isolate process, mechanical and electrical systems.
Complete pre-start up checks.
Start-up plant and equipment.
Re-start process.
Record or enter information - paper based or electronic.
Interpret data for example, process data, quality control and test procedure data.
Interpret drawings and graphs.
Identify issues for example, defects, deviations, process variance, and maintenance requirements.
Escalate issues outside limits of responsibility.
Apply problem solving and fault-finding techniques.
Apply continuous improvement techniques. Make a suggestion for improvement.
Use information and digital technology for example, management information systems, human machine interfaces, word processing, spreadsheet, email, virtual learning platforms, document sharing platforms. Comply with cyber security requirements.
Produce written documents for example, handover notes or emails, non-conformances, design change requests.
Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
Apply team working principles.
Plan how to meet personal development needs. Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development (CPD) activities.

Your training plan

Over 24 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments
Together this will count towards a Level 3 Process Industries Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship
You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Nufarm who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career
Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths, English and Science (grade 9 - 4 (A* - C))

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Team working
Initiative

About this company

At Nufarm, we know that growth is about more than just crops and cultivation. It’s about early mornings, dedication, and overcoming the unpredictability of nature. Agriculture is a challenging yet rewarding industry, and we’re proud to be the trusted partner behind thousands of success stories worldwide. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, we provide growers with effective solutions to combat disease, weeds, and pests—helping them protect and maximize their yields. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, working together to create a positive impact on global food production. When you join Nufarm, you become part of a team that makes a real difference in global agriculture. As a top-tier COMAH site, we uphold the highest safety and environmental standards, ensuring excellence in everything we do. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who value teamwork and innovation while gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative and supportive environment. We believe in investing in our people, providing training, development, and opportunities for career progression. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build a long-term career, Nufarm offers the foundation to grow and succeed. Find out more about us by visiting our website here and take the first step in shaping the future of agriculture with us.

https://nufarm.com/uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Free lunch provided Monday - Friday Development opportunities across our global organisation A boosted pension scheme Health Cash Plan Global Share Plan scheme Shopping discounts Long service award Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

After this apprenticeship

There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with Nufarm. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term
As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position with the business at the end of your apprenticeship
Through practical ‘on-the-job’ training, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a competent Chemical Manufacturing Technician, gaining expertise in processing techniques, and quality assurance. This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a future in chemical manufacturing, helping to ensure the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of manufacturing operations
Our Career Pathway is a clearly defined and specially designed progression route allowing our colleagues to take charge of their careers, with opportunities to grow, be recognised for their development and prepare for the next step in their post apprentice career with Nufarm

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TIRO TRAINING LTD

Emily Rankin

emily.rankin@tiro.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000308877.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 30 April 2025

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Please apply using the link provided. This will take you to Tiro (the training providers) website, and we will then be able to process your application.

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