Continuous Improvement Apprentice

IMI plc

We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone.

We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Fluid Control, and Transport.

Role Overview

During your 2 year apprenticeship, you will learn both manufacturing and office processes by working closely with employees to understand their workflows. You will assist and/or lead improvement projects, and you will learn the tools to be able to pitch new improvement ideas to management. You'll create process maps, value stream maps, and conduct root cause analysis to implement effective solutions. You will learn the importance of visual management and departmental KPIs. With a proactive, problem-solving attitude, you'll drive continuous improvement and help enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

In addition to studying for your Continuous Improvement Practitioner – Level 4 qualification, you will be supported and mentored by the Continuous Improvement Co-ordinator.

 
Key Responsibilities
Duties will include but not be limited to: 

• Support ongoing continuous improvement projects by collecting data, analysing workflows, and identifying waste in the production process
• Use your knowledge of the lean principles within manufacturing, such as 5s, Kaizen, Just-In-Time, Visual Management, and SMED, to help implement lean solutions
• Collaborate and communicate with the production and office based teams to understand their processes and to gain an understanding of the business 
• Regularly report continuous improvement metrics to supervisors and key stakeholders 
• Assist in Route Cause Analysis (RCA) workshops, and then initiate and plan Corrective Actions
• Assist the Continuous Improvement Executive with keeping the Visual Management and business KPIS up to date 
• Attend the Apprenticeship Provider’s lessons as required and Submit assignments and coursework in a timely manner and to an appropriate standard.
• Perform other such duties commensurate with the nature and level of the post as may be reasonably required.

Critical Competencies for Success

• 5 GCSE’s (grade 4-5 or above) in Mathematics and English (or equivalent).
• A-levels or equivalent experience (business studies would be preferred but not essential)
• Analytical mindset 
• Ability to focus on learning new skills and prepared to undertake learning on a daily basis.
• Demonstrable experience of working well within teams whilst having the confidence to work on own initiative.
• Experience of leading or influencing a key/group project.
• Enthusiasm, drive and commitment to a career within Continuous Improvement within an Engineering Company.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communication.
• Logical approach to problem solving.
• Questioning attitude with the ability to think critically. 
• PC literate.
• Flexible approach to work in both time and priority.

IMI is an inclusive employer; diversity is very important to us, and we want to receive applications from people from all backgrounds