• Sioned Morris – Administration Officer, RAPS (Regulatory Affairs & Product Stewardship)- Hillhouse

  About me

  I grew up in a small hamlet in North Wales called Llangynhafal.

  I studied Fine Art at University, relocated to Lancashire in 2019, I have a young son and a daughter on the way.

  Future Studies

  When I return from maternity leave, I would like to work towards the Level 5 Apprenticeship in Management and Leadership.

  After studying a Degree in Fine Art, then working in childcare for almost 5 years, I was ready to move into a different career path. With a young family, I felt that an Apprenticeship could be a good opportunity so that I could earn money, study and receive on the job training. This is when I saw the Apprenticeship vacancy at Victrex so decided to apply.

  During my Apprenticeship I worked on a project to manage questionnaires coming into the RAPS mailbox. I felt proud to be given the task, there was no structured system in place so it allowed me to develop a robust process that would benefit the team and stakeholders.

  I completed my Apprenticeship back in November 2023 with a Distinction and feel very proud of my achievement.

  One of my biggest highlights during my Apprenticeship has been the support I received from both my team and the wider stakeholders, their valuable expertise helped me progress through the course successfully.

  I have also found it beneficial to talk to other current and former Apprentices at Victrex, I found their advice inspiring and has helped me make an informed choice about my future career opportunities with Victrex.

• Lauren Serginson - Process Operator Apprentice – Seal Sands

  About me

  I live in Hartlepool and enjoy going to the gym to stay healthy and socialising with friends.

  I love running and participate in a weekly run club that focuses on the social aspect.

  I am training for the Middlesbrough Half Marathon.

  Traveling with family and friends is another passion of mine, especially exploring new places to enjoy the sights and cultures.

  Future Studies
  

  I've always liked the idea of learning on the job and working towards a recognised qualification. Working in the Chemical Industry has been a dream of mine since I was young and I am currently undertaking a Science and Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.

  Over the past six months, I've gained a lot of knowledge at college and on-site training. The first module at college was a safety module, which included learning all the laws and regulations surrounding safety. Safety is crucial, and everything we learn always ties back to it. We are also introduced to different equipment used on-site, which I make presentations on and present to my peers. This has improved my presentation skills, and I can now identify the equipment while on-site.

  Working on the rigs at college and visiting Seal Sands has taught me the importance of teamwork, as we must work together to solve problems and find solutions. This has enhanced my attention to detail, as anything can contribute to an issue. While on-site, I was introduced to P&IDs, which I found challenging at first, but with help and practice, I was able to follow them. I also gained a better understanding of how the plant operates.

  The main highlight so far has been visiting the Seal Sands site last November. With the plant being on a scheduled ‘maintenance shut down’ at the time, it was interesting to see how the maintenance work was being carried out and any issues being resolved by the team. I also really enjoyed working in the ‘Pastilliser’, as I got hands-on experience while being taught the process by my colleagues. At the start of my apprenticeship, we were learning a lot of chemistry at college. I found this very challenging at times, but with the support of my tutors and home learning, I was able to pass my exam and retain the information.

  The best part about doing an apprenticeship is being able to learn while gaining on-the-job experience and receiving help and knowledge from colleagues with extensive industry experience. If anyone is considering doing an apprenticeship, I would highly recommend it! I've already learned so much in such a short time, my knowledge grows daily, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience.

  I’m focused on learning as much as possible at college and applying this through on site experience. I hope my future is bright at Victrex, I would love to become a shift leader, it’s an exciting role that I aspire to once I have gained more experience.

• Jasmine Bamber – Process Operator Apprentice - Hillhouse

  About me

  I was born and raised locally in Fleetwood, I love the outdoors, keeping fit and I am a member of the ladies cricket team which I love playing.

  Future Studies

  After my Apprenticeship, I would like to continue studying and complete the Level 4 Team Leader qualification.

  I have worked at Victrex for 3 years, formally in Admin and now in Manufacturing.

  So why the change? Well, I wanted to move away from an office based job and have a more hands on role so began doing some work experience on the Powder Plant to see if working on plant interested me.

  One of achievements so far has been whilst working on the Compounding Plant, I spent a week testing Zelec kegs for moisture content. If moisture was detected, a desiccant bag had to be added to each individual keg. In 3 days I managed to get through 280 kegs, an achievement I am proud of and I was recognised by my colleagues and team leaders for my effort.

  The biggest highlight of my career is being the first female Process Operator for Victrex. I am honoured and very proud to be given the opportunity to prove that it doesn’t have to be a male dominated role. At times, the role can be challenging but nothing that can’t be resolved with control measures put into place, adaptation methods and seeking support from colleagues.

  For me, the best part about studying an Apprenticeship is that you get the opportunity to gain hands on experience within the industry, whilst earning a wage and gaining a qualification that will support career progression in the future.

• Aiden Brodrick - Electrical Maintenance Technician Apprentice - Hillhouse

  About me

  Hi, I'm Aiden, and I'm an Electrical Maintenance Apprentice in the second year of my Apprenticeship.
  

  I play for a local Sunday league football team, and I enjoy spending time with my friends.
  

  Future Studies

  After my Apprenticeship, I would like to complete my HNC and progress into more senior roles within Engineering.
  

  I wanted to start an Apprenticeship because I believed it was the best way to begin my career in Electrical Engineering, something I wanted to do when I left school.

  I get to work with experienced colleagues who support me in learning electrical maintenance tasks where I can demonstrate my knowledge learnt at College and then apply them on the job at work.

  Working at Hillhouse can be challenging because of the diverse tasks required, however, I find it incredibly rewarding, if I arrive at a job that I have never completed before it is satisfying to fix the problem or learn about a specific system which I have never seen before.

  For me, the best thing about doing an Apprenticeship is the equal learning between going to college and then working hands on. You learn the theory at college and then you can apply that knowledge on plant.

• Maddie Johnson – Stores & Purchasing Assistant - Hillhouse

  About me
  

  Hi, I’m Maddie, I’m a Purchasing and Stores Assistant in my second year of my Level 3 Apprenticeship.

  I enjoy socialising with friends and keeping fit. I also have a Level 3 qualifications in Travel and Tourism and Business Studies.
  

  Future Studies

  I will start my End Point Assessment in September and my goal is to progress within the Purchasing and Engineering sector.
  

  After finishing College, I felt that an Apprenticeship was a good pathway for me to learn a new career whilst earning money and gaining a qualification.

  I am the first Apprentice to work in Engineering Stores and one task I am particularly proud of is contributing to the Engineering Store's improvement plan from FY24 to FY25. I conducted stock counts and organised the store for audit purposes by arranging redundant stock articles and designating specific areas for non-stock items.

  At the start of my studies, I received a formal diagnosis of dyslexia. The support I have received from Victrex and College has been invaluable. I have been given special considerations during exams and within learning environments which has allowed me to make progress and succeed.

  I highly recommend Apprenticeships, they open up numerous career paths and opportunities.

• Taylor Fort – Process Operator Apprentice – Hillhouse

  About Me

  I’m 21 and really into fitness, especially going to the gym. I also love sports, with football and golf being my favourites. When I’m not out with friends, I enjoy watching TV series … whether it’s action, drama, or sports-related shows.

  Future Studies

  I chose to do an apprenticeship because I always knew I wanted to go straight into work after school, and an apprenticeship is the best way to do that. It allows you to learn on the job while earning a wage at the same time.

  I am due to finish in September 2025, but I am currently working towards finishing earlier as I am slightly ahead of schedule.

  My career goals are to continue to work towards completing my apprenticeship. Following completing this, I want to work towards becoming a PTL of my current area VCP (Victrex Compounding Plant).

  I am proud of completing my tier 1 and 2 validation and I am now currently on with completing my tier 3 which edges myself closer to becoming a fully qualified operator.

  A highlight of my time as an apprentice, has been meeting my cohort as we’ve all grown close as friends and enjoy our time together in and outside of work.

  But the best part of an apprenticeship is gaining hands-on experience while earning. It makes you job-ready and boosts employability.

  So, if you're considering one, go for it! It’s a great way to learn, earn, and build a strong career.

• William Lindsay - Process Operator Apprentice - Hillhouse

  About Me

  Hello, I’m Willliam Lindsay and in my spare time I like to play in a 6 aside football team with my mates. Another hobby of mine is playing the guitar, which I’ve been playing for 6 months.

  Future Studies

  I wanted to do an apprenticeship as before joining Victrex, I went to college and realised that I wanted to be in a workforce and get on-the-job experience instead.

  I chose this apprenticeship because Victrex is recognised as a great company to work for.

  My main aim is to complete my apprenticeship and college work to a high standard and work towards getting on shift.

  And recently I’m very proud to have been awarded an ‘Above and Beyond’ award for testing chemicals for moisture.

  A challenge I have faced is adapting to working full time rather than being in education full time. But I enjoy the aspect of being in a workforce and I would tell people that an apprenticeship is a great option as you can learn valuable technical skills and use them in a work environment every day!

Here are just some of the most popular examples that are regularly available:

• Engineering Maintenance Technician

  • Course:  Engineering Manufacturing Technician 
  • Roles include: Facilities Apprentice
  • Maintenance Apprentice
  • Mechanical Apprentice
  • Apprentice Research and Development Technician

  As an Engineering Maintenance Technician apprentice, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to keep machines and equipment running safely, reliably, and efficiently.

  You’ll learn how to carry out planned and preventative maintenance to help prevent breakdowns, respond safely and effectively to equipment faults, prepare for jobs, keep accurate records and close jobs correctly to the required standards.

  Safety is at the heart of everything you’ll do. You’ll be trained to follow health, safety, and environmental rules, meet industry regulations, and work responsibly. You’ll also gain an understanding of how your role supports the wider business, including quality, cost, sustainability, and service expectations.

  You’ll work alongside other maintenance technicians, engineers, and support operatives, and regularly interact with a wide range of people across the business. This includes teams such as operations, management, quality, research and development, and administration. You may also have contact with external visitors, including auditors, regulators, and customers during site visits

  You’ll build a strong all‑round understanding of engineering, while specialising in one of the following areas:

  • Electrical – apprentices work focuses on electrical aspects of plant, equipment and systems. For example, motors, single-phase and three-phase, power supplies, and low voltage or high-voltage electrical distribution.
  • Control and Instrumentation – engineering maintenance technicians' work focuses on the control and instrumentation aspects of plant, equipment and systems. For example, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), flow meters, heat exchangers and safety controls.
  • Mechanical – engineering maintenance technicians' work focuses on mechanical aspects of plant, equipment and systems. For example, fans, pumps, valves, gearboxes, and pipework

  If this is of interest, you’ll need you to have achieved or be on course for 5 GCSE's including English & Maths inc. a science at Grade C/4 or above

  Please note: Availability and qualification content may vary by year, location, and training provider.

• Process Operator

  • Course: Process Industry Manufacturing Technician
  • Roles include: Apprentice Process Operator

  As a Process Industry Manufacturing Technician apprentice, you’ll learn how to operate and support industrial processes that turn raw materials into finished products safely and efficiently. These processes often involve hazardous substances, so you’ll work in a highly controlled environment where following strict safety rules is essential.

  You’ll learn how to monitor and control processes to keep them running within set limits, check product quality, spot issues early, and either resolve them or escalate them when needed. Accurate record‑keeping is an important part of the role.

  You’ll be trained to maintain a safe working environment by following health, safety, and environmental systems at all times. You’ll also learn how to prepare equipment for maintenance, support safe start‑up and shutdown activities, and help bring equipment back into operation. As you gain experience, you’ll contribute to risk assessments, audits, and continuous improvement activities.

  Day to day, you’ll work closely with other members of the process team and build strong working relationships with colleagues in areas such as laboratories, maintenance, process engineering, supply chain, and warehousing. You may also interact with external visitors, including customers, service providers, and regulators.

  Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to ensure products meet quality standards and are produced safely and responsibly, in line with industry regulations. You’ll be trained to use specialist personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, chemical‑resistant gloves, protective clothing, and respiratory protection. You’ll learn to work both independently and as part of a team, gradually gaining the confidence to take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of your work.

  If this is of interest, you’ll need you to have achieved or be on course for 5 GCSE's including English & Maths inc. a science at Grade C/4 or above

  Please note: Availability and qualification content may vary by year, location, and training provider.

• Laboratory Technician

  Course: Laboratory Technician

  Role Included: Laboratory Technician QC Chemist

  As a Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you’ll work at the forefront of science and technology, supporting laboratory testing and technical activities across the business. You’ll carry out routine and specialist laboratory tests, support manufacturing and quality processes where required, and contribute to the safe, accurate, and efficient running of laboratory operations.

  You’ll work closely with laboratory colleagues and managers, as well as teams across the business, you may interact with external suppliers, engineers, and regulatory bodies.

  This role will give you hands‑on experience in a highly regulated environment, where working safely, ethically, and to defined quality standards is essential.

  You’ll be encouraged to take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of your own work, solve problems, and identify opportunities to improve processes and ways of working. You’ll work both independently and as part of a supportive laboratory team, developing the skills and confidence to operate with minimal supervision as you progress.

  If this is of interest, you’ll need you to have achieved or be on course for 5 GCSE's including English & Maths inc. a science at Grade C/4 or above

  Please note: Availability and qualification content may vary by year, location, and training provider.

• Digital Marketing Apprentice

  • Course: Digital Marketing Executive
  • Roles include: Digital Marketing Apprentice

  
  Marketing plays a vital role in helping businesses understand customer needs and promote products and services effectively.

  As a Digital Marketing Apprentice, you’ll help shape and deliver marketing plans, working closely with the Head of Marketing Communications who sets the overall strategy.

  This is a creative, audience‑focused role that combines communication and project management skills. You’ll plan and deliver targeted marketing activity across a range of channels, including digital, offline, and social media. Your work may include managing marketing campaigns, producing and distributing marketing materials, supporting brand positioning, and organising events such as exhibitions.

  You’ll work with a wide range of stakeholders, including customers, colleagues, suppliers, partner organisations, and external agencies. You’ll also gather and analyse research to better understand target audiences and support effective decision‑making across the marketing mix.

  If this is of interest, you’ll need to meet the course requirements and have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths and English.

  Please note: Availability and qualification content may vary by year, location, and training provider.

• Digital Support Technician

  Course: Digital Support Technician - Advanced Apprenticeship

  Roles include: IT service Desk Agent

  As a Digital Applications Technician, you’ll help your organisation make the most of its digital tools, systems, and communication technologies. As more services and processes move online, businesses increasingly rely on people who can support digital operations, troubleshoot problems, and guide colleagues through digital processes.

  During your apprenticeship, you’ll focus on supporting internal users across the organisation. You’ll help colleagues use digital tools effectively, train them on new or updated technologies, and provide support when issues arise. You’ll also contribute to digital improvement and change projects that help the organisation adapt to evolving technology.

  In your day‑to‑day work, you’ll interact with a wide range of colleagues who use digital systems. You’ll communicate across digital channels, phone, and sometimes face‑to‑face, using your growing knowledge to resolve issues and identify when a problem needs escalating. You’ll work under general guidance while planning and managing your own tasks, meeting deadlines, and following relevant standards and procedures.

  As you progress, you may influence colleagues, supervise tasks, or support different stages of digital projects. You’ll develop strong communication, problem‑solving, and organisational skills—alongside hands‑on experience with collaborative technologies, digital information systems, and productivity tools. Throughout your apprenticeship, your role will be to help people across the organisation use digital systems confidently and effectively

  If this is of interest, you’ll need to meet the course requirements and have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths and English.

  Please note: Availability and qualification content may vary by year, location, and training provider.

• Project Manager

  Course: Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship

  Roles Include: Project Management Apprentice

  As a Project Management Apprentice, you’ll gain a combination of virtual classroom and on-the-job learning, playing a key role in supporting the successful delivery of a wide range of business and innovation projects. From day one, you’ll be immersed in real project environments, working closely with experienced Project Managers and project Sponsors to understand project strategy, identify risks and issues, and help ensure delivery to agreed cost, quality, and time targets.

  In the early stages of the apprenticeship, you will focus on building core project management capabilities — consistently applying your learning to your role at Victrex, creating high-level project plans, maintaining project documentation, and supporting effective communication across project teams.

  As you grow in confidence and capability, you will take on increasing responsibility, beginning with shadowing Project Managers to understand delivery best practice. You will then progress to supporting project delivery and managing defined project workstreams, before leading clearly scoped internal projects with appropriate supervision. Ultimately, you will develop the skills and experience to independently manage and deliver your own projects, applying the full project management lifecycle end to end.

  If this is of interest, you’ll need to meet the course requirements and have 3 A-levels at grade 4/C or the vocational equivalent.

  Please note: Availability and qualification content may vary by year, location, and training provider.