S&A Academy Launches Industry-Focused Apprenticeship Programmes to Support Skills Growth in the Polymers and Plastics Sector

S&A Academy has announced the launch of three new apprenticeship programmes designed to help address skills gaps across the UK’s manufacturing industry, with a particular focus on the polymers and plastics sector.

The new programmes - Level 3 Maintenance Engineer, Level 4 Associate Project Manager, and Level 4 Marketing Executive—offer employers a cost-effective and sustainable way to build in-house talent across technical, operational, and commercial roles. Each programme is eligible for government funding and can be customised to meet the needs of specific industries and workplace settings.

Maintenance Engineer – Level 3 Apprenticeship

At the core of the offering is the Level 3 Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship, which prepares learners to install, maintain, and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems in advanced manufacturing environments. With unplanned downtime posing a major risk to productivity in polymer and plastics processing, this programme equips learners with critical skills in fault diagnosis, preventative maintenance, and system optimisation.

The apprenticeship is delivered through a blended model, with one day per week of training provided onsite or remotely over a 30–36 month period. Apprentices will also gain the Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, alongside hands-on training tailored to employer-specific machinery and operations.

Associate Project Manager – Level 4 Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship prepares employees to successfully manage project lifecycles - helping manufacturers oversee process improvement initiatives, equipment installations, and production upgrades.

Apprentices develop skills in project planning, risk management, resource coordination, and stakeholder communication. The programme is suitable for team leaders, engineers, or operations staff looking to step into project-focused roles.

Key benefits for the polymers and plastics industry include:

• Improved internal project management capability
• Reduced reliance on external consultants or contractors
• Stronger delivery of CAPEX and compliance-led initiatives

Marketing Executive – Level 4 Apprenticeship

Communicating technical expertise to the market

This programme is designed to support manufacturers looking to strengthen their market presence, promote innovation, or expand their client base. The Marketing Executive Apprenticeship trains learners to manage marketing channels, deliver integrated campaigns, and build brand awareness within technical and B2B industries.

Key outcomes include:

• In-house marketing capability to support sales and growth
• Skilled staff able to manage digital and offline communications
• Greater visibility for technical solutions and specialist materials
• Industry-Led, Employer-Focused

All three programmes are eligible for apprenticeship levy funding and can be delivered nationally. S&A Academy works closely with employers in the science, engineering, and manufacturing sectors to ensure content is aligned to current and future industry needs.

Employers benefit from free recruitment support, blended delivery options, and the ability to customise programmes to suit business objectives - whether that means adding management training, compliance modules, or site-specific processes.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3T4PmsQ or  contact [email protected]