BCP Apprentice

Role Description

As an Apprentice Manufacturing Technician, you will undergo a structured, hands-on training program designed to turn you into a specialist in sandwich panel mechanics and precision machining. You will learn the exact science behind core-to-skin bonding, vacuum consolidation, and how to program and operate CNC routers to achieve tight engineering tolerances.

Key responsibilities and tasks

Aluminium Honeycomb & Skin Preparation

• Learn to handle, degrease, and chemically or mechanically prepare material surfaces to ensure optimal surface energy for adhesive bonding.
• Master the handling of an array of difference composite core types such as Aluminium honeycomb, learning how to cut, splice, and manipulate them before lay-up.

Structural Bonding & Assembly

• Understand the properties of structural film adhesives and paste adhesives.
• Learn to assemble the "sandwich" stack (Skin-Adhesive-Core-Adhesive-Skin) according to strict engineering blueprints.
• Gain expertise in vacuum bagging techniques, pressure application, and monitoring oven/heated press curing cycles.

CNC Router Machining & Post-Processing

• Train on our industrial CNC routers to safely perform panel profiling, pocketing, and drilling.
• Learn to set up workpiece holding (vacuum beds, fixtures) specifically tailored for composite panels and structures to prevent vibration or damage and ensure high levels of accuracy.
• Progressively learn to operate CNC machinery, select correct tooling, and assist with basic CAD/CAM programming.

Panel Finishing & Hardware Integration

• Learn bespoke post-processing techniques, including edge-closing, potting, and installing inserts or edge members as part of the composite structure.
• Conduct visual and dimensional quality checks using vernier calipers, micrometres, and depth gauges to ensure compliance with client specifications.

Engineering Design & CAD Exposure

• Gain hands-on exposure to industry-standard design software (SolidWorks) to understand how 3D digital models are built.
• Learn to interpret and create technical engineering drawings, mastering geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure components meet strict industry specific standards.
• Work alongside our design team to learn how bespoke sandwich panels are engineered from concept to physical reality, understanding how material selection affects panel weight, stiffness, and CNC machining limitations.

Job Types

Full-time, Permanent

Benefits

Company pension

Cycle to work scheme

Health & wellbeing programme

Life insurance

On-site parking

Referral programme

Work Location

In person