Celanese Apprenticeship - Newport & District Group Training Association

Maintenance Apprenticeship

Location: Newport
Expected start date: 01/09/2022

About us:

We create chemistry but we are much more than a chemistry company: We’re engineers, scientists, technical experts and logistics specialist. We have 100 years of experience, a global network and a great passion for chemistry that comes from the heart. This is how we make sure that our plastics drive the cars of tomorrow, that our emulsions make interior paints even more eco-friendly and that our sweeteners reduce sugar also in your food products. Headquartered in Dallas (Texas) our global network includes around 7,700 employees, more than 80 locations in 20 countries with 3 global service centers: Budapest, Nanjing, Irving.

Around 130 employees and contractors work at the Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES) plant in Newport, South Wales. AES has the capacity to produce over 100,000 tonnes of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) annually which are marketed under the trademark Santoprene. TPEs are products that perform like rubber but can be processed with the speed, efficiency and economy of thermoplastics. In addition to simpler processing, the principal advantages of TPEs include easy recycling, closer control of dimensions and improved product quality vs thermoset rubber.

Around 60% of Santoprene sales are to the automotive industry where it is used on car weather seals, under-bonnet applications and for interior parts. The versatile product is used by the construction industry, and for consumer goods such as flexible toothbrushes and grips for kitchen utensils. Santoprene is also used to make parts of medical devices such as vacutainers to take blood samples.

Vacancy Details:

As a maintenance department we are tasked with maintaining equipment throughout the plant in a safe and timely manner. For out Newport maintenance team we are currently looking for a Maintenance Apprentice

Responsibilities: Celanese are currently recruiting an Engineering Apprentice to join our maintenance team here at the Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES) plant (formerly owned by ExxonMobil) in Newport, South Wales. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a fast-paced and varied engineering environment where we take pride in our safety performance. You will be maintaining the plant and equipment at one of Europe’s premier Thermoplastic Vulcanisate plants, which provides raw materials to the global automotive industry.

Engineering apprenticeships are four-year schemes that will help you achieve a variety of qualifications. You will aim to achieve an Apprenticeship, an NVQ Level III and a Higher National Certificate in your chosen discipline. The first year is spent full-time at Newport and District Group Training Association (NDGTA) and the remaining years are spent on site at AES gaining first-hand experience of your chosen trades whilst attending college on a day release basis.

Multi skilled apprentice will be trained in the following disciplines:

Electrical training will develop skills that range from working with low voltage alarm systems right up to 11,000 volt switchgear. Power is the key to everything at Newport. Without it, we couldn’t do what we do. You’ll gain knowledge of automation, substations, robots, motors, control gear and all the ins and outs of alarm and lighting circuits. You will learn how to maintain electrical systems and diagnose faults using a multitude of test equipment. You will be challenged to develop solutions that keep the power flowing to our critical equipment. All in all, you’ll gain fundamental skills for life in an area that’s fundamental to our business!

Mechanical training will develop skills that range from machining blades to rebuilding and installing industrial granulators. You will be responsible for the safe assembly, maintenance and troubleshooting for a multitude of fixed and rotating equipment, learning all the ins and outs as you go. You will gain knowledge of pumps, piping, extruders, failure mechanisms, benchfitting and much more. You will be challenged to design and construct solutions to complex problems and to improve our proactive maintenance. You will acquire skills that will provide opportunities at many large-scale production facilities all around the world.

The starting annual salary in year one is £15,000 (paid on a monthly basis) and increases with each year of the apprenticeship.

For more information, please watch our promotional video here:

Desirable Personal Qualities:

Have, as a minimum, five passes at GCSE, grades A-C (achieved or predicted), including the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Physics
A technical subject such as CDT, Graphic Communications, Engineering Science or Product Design
Be enthusiastic and determined to succeed
Self-motivated to ensure college deadlines are met
Have an inquisitive nature
Have a hands-on approach and a practical mind
Evidence of practical skills or hobbies to demonstrate this would be an advantage

Training to be provided:

Apprentices will complete NVQ Level 2 and Level 3

BTEC Level 3 to be completed in the first 2 years before continuing to HNC in years 3 and 4

On the job training