We are looking for an Apprentice R&D Technician to join our Team at our Hillhouse site. With big ambitions for the future there has never been a better time to join Victrex! You'll receive first class, on the job, training from a dedicated team, whilst earning a competitive salary - not to mention an industry recognised qualification too.

This opportunity is much more than a job - it is a development programme that has all the hallmarks to kickstart your career within a business which has a very exciting agenda. You will be joining a community of apprentices, who not only have the ability to drive positive change through the work they do on the job, but also shaping a culture where everybody at Victrex thrives. Therefore, whether you are interested in joining one of our Employee Representation Groups (ERG's), becoming an ally, or support our STEM agenda, we'll support you with your goals.

The Role

This position will expect you to take a hands-on approach when organise and perform experiments and analysis in support of technology projects. You will accelerate and spearhead the evaluation and development of PAEK products for our customers. They’ll want you to be ambitious when discussing the company approach when responding to product quality issues, continuous improvement opportunities for existing and new processes and plant.

You will complete a Level 3 Polymer Processing Apprenticeship via one of our trusted training providers.

The duration of this Apprenticeship is approximately 24 months and if successful, you will join our 2024 Apprenticeship Intake in September.

Responsibilities: -

• Assists in, plan and perform experiments on pilot/production scale equipment.
• Carry out small scale manufacturing trials and capability studies.
• Adherence to the Company's SHE (Safety, Health and Environmental) policy, ISO quality requirements, and R&D functional standards.
• Collation and analyses of data using a range of in-house and external analytical services to evaluate the properties of materials produced.
• Preparation of materials for customer samples.
• Support root cause analysis and investigations for customer complaints & internal quality incidents.

Requirements: -

• Demonstrable working knowledge of a range of analytical and manufacturing techniques.
• Willingness to take accountability and use initiative when carry out daily responsibilities.
• Be curious about the opportunity and enthusiastic to learn new skills.
• Strong analytical, communication, delivery, organisation, and team-working skills.
• IT proficient using various software including Office 365.
• GCSE or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics (grade 4 or above).
• Level 3 in relevant scientific or technical discipline (A-Level or BTEC in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Applied Science etc.)

Our Offer to You

We pay our apprentices a competitive wage at Victrex - so whilst you may be in training, you can be sure that you will be rewarded as your confidence and skills grow in role.

Apart from a great base salary, you will be enrolled in our company bonus scheme and be if eligible be invited to join our Company Pension Scheme where 5% employee contributions will attract contributions of 12% by Victrex.

We are supportive of flexible working, offer private medical insurance and give employees 29 days annual leave per annum + bank holidays with the option of purchasing up to 2 additional weeks leave too.

The perks are great, but so is our culture - and you can read more about it below.

You’ve Applied – now what?

So you’ve submitted an application to one of our Apprenticeship Programmes – nice work! The Talent Team will review your application in collaboration with the Hiring Manager and Training Providers to determine if you are eligible to undertake the Apprenticeship of your choice with us.

Afterwards, the selection process might look like so:

Stage 1 – Online Interview or Psychometric Assessments

Stage 2 – Assessment Centre (this might include an interview, show & tell presentation, site tours, case study)

Our Apprenticeship Programmes are very popular so please do bear with us whilst we process your application.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE.

At present, we are not accepting any candidates via a recruitment agency or third party. 

About Victrex

Victrex is an innovative world leader in high-performance PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) and PAEK (Poly Aryl Ether Ketone) polymer solutions focusing on the strategic markets of automotive, aerospace, energy and industrial, electronics and medical. Every day, millions of people use products and applications containing our materials – from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to energy operations and medical devices.

With over 40 years‘ experience, we are developing world leading solutions with PEEK and PAEK-based polymers and selected semi-finished and finished parts which enable environmental and societal benefit for our customers and our markets and drive value for our shareholders

Vision and culture

At Victrex, we have a clear purpose: to deliver transformational and sustainable solutions that address global material challenges.

Our core values of passion, innovation, and performance are at the heart of everything we do. We are a company that thrives on human-centred leadership, valuing curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration in a fast-paced, digitally enabled world. We believe in empowering individuals, rather than seeing barriers to progress.

We are looking for individuals who are comfortable working in an environment that values digital and AI-driven solutions, who see technology as an enabler rather than a challenge. At Victrex, we foster a culture of continuous learning, agility, and adaptability, where employees are encouraged to embrace new ways of working, leverage data-driven insights, and drive meaningful change.

As we continue to evolve, we need people who are not just contributors but change accelerators … individuals who champion innovation, and drive transformation with a growth mindset. Whether through digitalisation, process improvement, or human-centred leadership, our employees play a crucial role in shaping the future of our business.

Our leadership approach is built on empowerment, inclusion, and collaboration. We value people who lead with empathy and authenticity, fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives and ideas can thrive. We work hard to ensure that our teams are engaged, motivated, and equipped to navigate an ever-changing landscape.

Sustainability is core to our strategy. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint while supporting society through our sustainable products and making a positive impact on our local communities. We are proud to be recognised as a ‘Disability Confident’ employer and to be voted as one of the best places to work by ‘The Sunday Times’ in 2024!

Our aim is to provide the support of accessibility and community within Victrex for everyone. So, if you need any help, advice or just want a confidential chat regarding any Diversity, Equity or Inclusion matters even before you apply to Victrex, then here is what you need to know:

The enabling support that Victrex prides itself on giving, starts from when anyone applies or wants to apply to join our team.

We are always here to help provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may need during your application process. So please contact us to discuss your specific requirements in more depth.

We even have a dedicated email that anyone can use to reach out for help, advice, and a confidential chat......whatever you need to know, and to help ensure an equitable solution, that’s right for you, right from the start!

That email is:

Victrex values diversity and encourages applications from all

sections of the community.