What's it about?

From furniture making to chemical processing to plastics, there are many areas covered by these Apprenticeships. You could be making lenses for cameras, printing chocolate boxes or turning out road signs. There are roles to suit different strengths ' if you're good with details, then you could check over products for flaws; if you're mechanically-minded, you could be responsible for maintaining the machines used in production.

Every object has been manufactured in some way. Doctors couldn't treat people without pharmaceuticals, flat screen T.V's couldn't be sold without being processed and cars wouldn't run without petrol! There are apprenticeships in Furniture, furnishings and interior manufacturing, Glass Industry Occupations, Textiles, Signmaking, Metal processing, and so much more!  So don't think you'll just be sitting in a long line watching the clock go by while fitting Barbie heads onto dolls. (Although that can be arranged if you so choose!?) Manufactures make the country's economy flow.

Who's it for?

Manufacturing has become so hi-tech these days that you need to be technically minded and be comfortable with technology. You can't afford to be slow either- this kind of work requires you concentrate for long periods of time even if the work is repetitive. The machinery will be complicated so you need to prove you don't have a problem with equipment and can use it quickly.

You need to be aware of all health and safety issues, as you don't want to lose a limb and you need to work well within a team. Managing your workload and having good timekeeping ability is also seen as a vital trait in this sector as you'll always find yourself busy with tasks to do.

What do I get out of it?

There are opportunities available throughout the UK, however some industries are concentrated in certain places. For example, oil and gas related industries are mainly in the eastern coastal region of Scotland, and the North East of England is a hub of manufacturing.

The frameworks at different levels across the sector generally include these elements: Competence-based element (NVQ/SVQ); Knowledge-based element; Key Skills; Employment Responsibilities and Rights. Workers in the manufacturing trade are badly needed to help keep all other industries supplied with the materials to do there jobs. You will be respected greatly by members of all sectors if you take up this apprenticeship!