Wood Production Operative Apprentice

Summary

As a Wood Production Operative Apprentice, you will play a key role in the assembly and production processes also, assembling furniture components to high quality standards.

Wage

£14,144 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Training course

Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Friday, times to be confirmed at interview. *One day a week will be spent at College*.

34 hours a week

Start date

Monday 21 September 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

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

Machine & Assembly:

• Operate production machinery and equipment safely and in line with specifications
• Load raw materials and unload finished products efficiently
• Assemble furniture components following production drawings and job instructions
• Transport materials between workstations to maintain workflow continuity
• Ensure accurate labelling and identification of parts throughout the production process
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve production efficiency
• Promptly report quality concerns or material shortages to the Production Supervisor
• Collaborate with team members to ensure workflow continuity and help resolve production delays
• Support other areas of the production process when required e.g., sanding, finishing, wrapping

Health, Safety & Housekeeping:

• Work in accordance with all site Health & Safety procedures and use correct PPE at all times
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work area in line with 5S or lean manufacturing principles
• Support accident or near-miss reporting by escalating concerns quickly and accurately
• Participate in required H&S briefings, toolbox talks, and training

Where you'll work

1 RED MINE CLOSE
NEWCASTLE
ST5 9HZ

Training

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

Training provider

STOKE ON TRENT COLLEGE

Training course

Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2)

What you'll learn

• Comply with health, safety and environmental requirements, for example safe use of personal and respiratory protective equipment, local exhaust ventilation, statutory regulations and industry standards/codes of practice.
• Identify risks and hazards in the workplace and apply appropriate control measures.
• Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations, for example disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
• Communicate - verbal and/or written, for example with colleagues and/or customers.
• Plan work to undertake wood product manufacturing operations.
• Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions, and following these instructions.
• Select the correct type and quantity of components and materials.
• Prepare the work area before undertaking the work.
• Identify faults and issues, for example incorrect or defective wood, defective machinery; and applying solutions.
• Pack and store products and components.
• Select, set up and operate machinery, tools and equipment used to produce wood components.
• Prepare and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment.
• Use and maintain jigs and templates for wood product manufacturing operations.
• Position wood components and apply manual and mechanical cramps to ensure products are secured and in accordance with the work specification.
• Assemble wood components to the work specification and given tolerances.
• Sand materials and de-nib.
• Apply adhesives to wood components.
• Apply finishes to wood products, for example stains, sealers, basecoats and paint finishes.
• Instal fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example ironmongery, seals, ancillary metal work and fixings, nail plates and staples.
• Carry out glazing operations, for example install glass to window or door.
• Check and and inspect work to ensure it meets the work specification; undertake rectification or rework where necessary
• Report work outcomes and/or problems.
• Complete the handover process to other manufacturing process functions/teams.
• Complete work documentation, for example job sheets, time cards.
• Comply with health, safety and environmental requirements, for example safe use of personal and respiratory protective equipment, local exhaust ventilation, statutory regulations and industry standards/codes of practice.
• Identify risks and hazards in the workplace and apply appropriate control measures.
• Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations, for example disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
• Communicate - verbal and/or written, for example with colleagues and/or customers.
• Plan work to undertake wood product manufacturing operations.
• Read and interpret specifications, diagrams and work instructions, and following these instructions.
• Select the correct type and quantity of components and materials.
• Prepare the work area before undertaking the work.
• Identify faults and issues, for example incorrect or defective wood, defective machinery; and applying solutions.
• Pack and store products and components.
• Select, set up and operate machinery, tools and equipment used to produce wood components.
• Prepare and operate Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment.
• Use and maintain jigs and templates for wood product manufacturing operations.
• Position wood components and apply manual and mechanical cramps to ensure products are secured and in accordance with the work specification.
• Assemble wood components to the work specification and given tolerances.
• Sand materials and de-nib.
• Apply adhesives to wood components.
• Apply finishes to wood products, for example stains, sealers, basecoats and paint finishes.
• Instal fixtures and fittings to wood products, for example ironmongery, seals, ancillary metal work and fixings, nail plates and staples.
• Carry out glazing operations, for example install glass to window or door.
• Check and and inspect work to ensure it meets the work specification; undertake rectification or rework where necessary
• Report work outcomes and/or problems.
• Complete the handover process to other manufacturing process functions/teams.
• Complete work documentation, for example job sheets, time cards.

Training schedule

You will attend Stoke on Trent College's Burslem Campus (ST6 1JJ) one day a week and spend the remainder of your contracted hours in the workplace. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English or Maths (grade 3 or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Physical fitness