Eurocell partners with local college on new apprentice programme

As the demand for skilled extrusion operatives and manufacturing technicians continues to rise, Eurocell is searching for eight aspiring extrusion technicians to embark on a new apprenticeship programme at its main manufacturing site in Derbyshire, in partnership with West Nottinghamshire College.

The initiative will support the training and development of the next generation of manufacturing and engineering technicians, ensuring Eurocell’s production lines remain at the forefront of emerging extrusion technology while also addressing the sector’s ongoing skills gap.

It comes as almost all manufacturers (98%) agreed in a recent survey that hiring and retaining skilled team members is a key challenge, while Make UK finds that around a third of all vacancies in the industry are hard-to-fill due to a lack of skills, qualifications or experience in the candidate pool.

A full range of training

Supported by the Apprenticeship Levy, the programme will see eight Manufacturing Extrusion Technician apprentices benefit from off- and on-the-job training using industry-standard equipment and processes at Eurocell.

Apprentices will also benefit from attending training sessions at West Nottinghamshire College’s state-of-the-art Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing in Sutton-in-Ashfield, a purpose-built facility for engineering and manufacturing students.

A shared commitment

Andrew Cropley MBE, Principal and Chief Executive, West Nottinghamshire College said:  “We are very proud to be working in partnership with market-leading employer Eurocell, bringing exciting opportunities for local people to become future shining stars in the engineering industry.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting the regional economy, boosting high-level technical skills, and creating clear progression routes for those embarking on rewarding careers in this critical sector.”

The 18-month long programme offers local talent a clear pathway into industry. Apprentices will develop competencies across polymer extrusion operations, engineering, process optimisation, health and safety, quality assurance, and continuous improvement methods. This structured approach – aligned throughout with modern processes and quality standards – is designed to set up apprentices for a successful career in manufacturing.

‘Investing in apprentices’

Joy Naylor, Director of Manufacturing and Recycling at Eurocell, added: “We recognise the importance of addressing the growing skills gaps in the East Midlands, especially for specialist extrusion, manufacturing and engineering technician roles. That’s why we’re investing in apprenticeships to build a core team of future experts equipped with the skills and mindset to adapt to emerging technologies and the evolving demands of modern manufacturing.”

The programme reinforces Eurocell’s long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing and technological innovation, while also supporting the wider region’s industrial resilience into 2030 and beyond.

Recruitment is set to begin in spring 2026 and continue throughout the year, with all successful applicants expected to start their apprenticeship studies in September 2026.

Interested candidates can register their interest now via the Eurocell careers site: https://careers.eurocell.co.uk/