Occupational profile - polymer processing operations

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

On completion of this apprenticeship, polymer processing engineers will have acquired occupational skills and knowledge to be able to:

• both independently and within a team start-up a manufacturing batch or continuous process in line with appropriate standard operating procedures, understanding the principles of operation
• both independently and within a team operate a manufacturing batch or continuous process in line with appropriate standard operating procedures, understanding the principles of operation
• both independently and within a team shut down/complete a run of the manufacturing batch or continuous process in line with appropriate standard operating procedures, understanding the principles of operation
• control and monitor a process or plant and equipment, effectively, efficiently and securely, and resolve problems or correct abnormal conditions
• work safely in a science manufacturing environment, understanding personal responsibility for health, safety and the environment and principles of risk management
• complete documentation relevant to the manufacturing process including relevant calculations
• understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace
• understand the internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the sector and the employer and comply with regulations proficiently
• understand the business environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct
• communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking; listening; writing; body language; presentation
• work and interact effectively within a team
• work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks
• understand impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality
• time management and ability to complete work to schedule
• ability to handle change and respond to change management processes

Transversal skills

As an apprentice you'll gain the following transversal skills:

Self-management

Accept responsibility.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• identify own strengths and weaknesses
• ask for assistance if required
• take responsibility for actions
• manage one’s own feelings
• prioritise work and time
• take responsibility for own safety

Working with others

Work collaboratively with both internal and with external customers and an awareness of interdependence.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• get along with others
• put aside differences
• try to work effectively in a team
• see others’ points of view

Citizenship /participating in society

Understand and be considerate of the differing needs of different individuals and groups.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• value ideas from others
• respect individuals’ differences in terms of disability, ethnicity background, gender, sexuality and religion

Work professionalism

Behave appropriately and with a professional attitude.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• turn up on time
• follow instructions from seniors
• dress appropriately
• understand the nature of the business and the codes of conduct

Problem solving and decision making

Weigh up the pros and cons of new situations and identify key issues.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• adopt a problem solving attitude

Numeracy

Use data and arithmetic to support evidence or demonstrate a point.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• reason and apply simple numerical concepts such as percentages, decimals and fractions

Digital literacy

Find, evaluate, use, share and create content using information technologies and the Internet.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• use social media appropriately
• use Microsoft Office or equivalences

Communication & literacy

Use verbal, on-verbal and written communication and an awareness of the interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation.

Typical performance evidence will show you can:

• ask and respond to questions
• listen to others
• communicate considering people involved in terms of gender, background, age and position

Progression

Following completion of this level 3 apprenticeship there are several options open to the successful candidate who wishes to continue their development in order to progress their career. There are opportunities to continue to undertake further vocational training or academic qualifications.

These may include (but are not exclusive to) the following:

• foundation degree in engineering or the higher level apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing or manufacturing engineering
• higher national certificate/diploma in engineering or a related subject
• developing a career in coaching through assessor and verifier awards
• qualifications in a related area, including (but not limited to) health and safety, training and development, business improvement techniques and supervisory management
• membership of a professional institution at engineering technician level (Further information available at www.engineeringuk.com)

Successful completion of the level 3 apprenticeship could lead to one of the following job roles:

• Process operative/technician
• Quality control inspector

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance individuals must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding. Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Pathways can be displayed by splitting NOS into core and optional depending on the occupational profile.

Core NOS

Available NOS

• Level 3 apprenticeship framework - polymer processing operations