Title:  Polymer Apprentice

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Summary:  
An apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines work place learning in an education or training centre. This new Polymer Processing Technologist apprenticeship is aligned with the needs of the Irish plastics industry. As a result of this a Polymer Processing Technologist (apprenticeship) was developed. Apprenticeships are paid employment allowing the apprentice to “earn while they learn”. The Polymer Apprentice will be responsible for the efficient set up and operation of polymer processing lines in the fields of injection moulding for the production of plastic components relevant to industry standards. Responsible for operating moulding and any auxiliary equipment. Responsible for inspecting product to a pre-determined specification and completing all documentation necessary to provide quality, production and traceability records in accordance with ISO9002/EN46002/ISO14001 standards/ customer specifications. Responsible for making technical adjustments to the machine as required. Reports to the Production Engineer. This role will include Development in the area off Processing, Toolroom, Maintenance and Quality.  It will include learning outcomes from each department.
     
Requirements:
•    Leaving Certificate or equivalent, Grade 06 at ordinary level in 5 subjects, 2 of which must be maths and a language (English or Irish)
•    Willing to travel and temporary relocation to complete educational modules.
•    Flexibility to adapt to required working pattern which will include days and shift. 
•    Must have good verbal reasoning, numerate ability and mechanical aptitude skills.
•    Must have good communication skills, both written and oral.
•    Must be able to work in a team environment.
•    Must be willing to work on a shift basis in the business.
•    Ability to work on their own initiative.
•    Previous production work experience in an injection-moulding environment would be an advantage.
    
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Over the period of the 3 year apprenticeship the candidates will be progress to include the following duties and
responsibilities: 
•    Take part in phased college semesters in accordance with course requirements and ensure course work and exams are completed and passed.
•    Ensures the quality of the parts produced by inspecting parts visually and through measuring devices.
•    Supporting the shift and PGL by reporting on/resolving process/technical issues.
•    Ensure the machine settings as per the validated status are recorded on relevant documentation if applicable.
•    Attend production meetings as required.
•    Attend to all incidents of downtime and record in the relevant documentation on a daily basis.
•    Define machine status on OEE System in order to determine machine downtime and run time.
•    Assisting with the introduction and validation of new tooling as required.
•    Work closely with maintenance, tool room and process engineers to ensure technical support for the room.
•    Completes Tool changes
•    Provide assistance, support and training to operators on the shift.
•    Performs line clearance in conjunction with the relevant procedures.
•    Maintaining accuracy of batch documentation at all time and ensuring that it is filled in and right first time.
•    Ensure that machines are stopped and started as per the relevant start up procedures in manufacturing manual.
•    Understands and safely operates all equipment.
•    Reports and/or corrects unsafe working conditions.
•    Ensures all moulding machines and ancillary equipment are working correctly, and reports any problems.
•    Performs mold cleaning and cleaning of machines/robots and ancillary equipment on a daily/monthly basis.
•    Ensures that the correct raw materials are being used at each moulding machine; ensures raw material is staged/ready for next shift
•    Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly manner by practicing good housekeeping.
•    Maintains and updates assigned measures of performance, in conjunction with the Production Group leader.
•    Stands in as acting PGL during period of absence or holidays if required.
•    Compliance to all site Environmental, Health and Safety requirements training, and regulations. 
•    Compliance to all local site company policies, procedures and corporate policies. 
•    Act in accordance with the company’s guiding principles and adherence to the corporate Code of Conduct.
•    Develops and maintains methods/procedures and all supporting documentation to meet the requirements of ISO 9001/ ISO 13485 / ISO 14001. 
•    Performs additional duties at the request of the direct supervisor.

Delegation of Duties:
When absent from the site duties and responsibilities will be delegated to the following designates
•    Process Technicians. 

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.  If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com.  Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening and/or a pre-employment drug screening.