Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Operative Apprentice (Level 3) - Piramal Pharma Solutions

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Science Manufacturing Technician L3

Location: Morpeth

Compensation: £15,165 / year

Description


Location: Whalton Road, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3YA



Working for Piramal Pharma Solutions

Piramal Pharma Solutions is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), offering end-to-end development and manufacturing solutions across the drug life cycle. We serve our clients through a globally integrated network of facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

This enables us to offer a comprehensive range of services including Drug Discovery Solutions, Process & Pharmaceutical Development services, Clinical Trial Supplies, Commercial supply of APIs and Finished dosage forms. We also offer specialized services like development and manufacture of Highly Potent APIs and Antibody Drug Conjugation.

Our capability as an integrated service provider & experience with various technologies enables us to serve Innovator and Generic companies worldwide.

For more details, please visit www.piramalpharmasolutions.com

The Package

• Starting salary of £15,165 (£8.33 per hour), increasing to National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable
• 37.5 hours per week (35 hours worked, as this is inclusive of a 30 minute paid lunch break)
• There will be a requirement to enter a 24/7 shift pattern upon completion of your apprenticeship
• Monday to Thursday, 7:00am - 3:00pm; Friday, 7:00am - 12:00pm
• Annual Leave
• Company Pension Scheme
  
  

What will I be doing as an API Operative Apprentice?

As an API Operative Apprentice, you will follow a structured development path to become a fully competent operator within a chemical processing environment. You will gain hands-on experience operating to high-quality standards aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), learning safety procedures for handling chemical materials, and manufacturing using both manual and computer-controlled systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in structured training programs to develop proficiency in plant operations.
• Learn and apply Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety requirements.
• Assist with manufacturing and system cleaning processes.
• Support the setup, operation, cleaning, and basic maintenance of packaging equipment including reactors, centrifuges, filters, dryers, mills, and ancillary equipment.
• Ensure safe handling of materials and execution of processes as defined in batch documents.
• Accurately complete documentation in line with GMP standards.
• Report any deviations or equipment issues promptly to maintain compliance.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures, including the correct use of PPE and identification of hazards.
• Monitor equipment to ensure it operates within defined safety and quality guidelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including lean projects and root cause analysis during packaging line issues.
• Work alongside experienced operators to understand process requirements, equipment, techniques, and procedures for API manufacture.
  
  

What could the future look like?

As an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Operative Apprentice, your journey marks the beginning of a dynamic and rewarding career in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through structured, hands-on training, you will develop the technical skills required to operate, maintain, and support chemical processing equipment — all while working to the highest quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

In this role, you will play an essential part in ensuring the safe and efficient production of active pharmaceutical ingredients used globally in medicines. You’ll gain experience working with critical equipment such as reactors, centrifuges, filters, dryers, and mills, while becoming well-versed in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and LEAN principles, laying the foundation for excellence in pharmaceutical production and process improvement.

As your skills grow, so will your responsibilities — from assisting with manufacturing and cleaning processes, to supporting equipment setup and basic maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining accurate batch documentation. You’ll collaborate with experienced operators who will mentor you throughout your development, helping you build confidence and competence on the job.

Over time, this apprenticeship can lead to a permanent position and open pathways into more advanced roles such as Senior Process Operator, Shift Supervisor, or roles within Quality Assurance or Continuous Improvement. Whether you choose to specialise in technical operations or progress into leadership, this pathway offers long-term potential in a vital and growing industry.

With dedication and the drive to succeed, you’ll gain the skills and experience to build a stable, meaningful career in pharmaceutical manufacturing — helping to ensure patients worldwide receive safe, effective medicines.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

What will you bring?

About You

We’re looking for someone enthusiastic about building a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing — specifically within Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production. This is a hands-on, practical role in a fast-paced, highly regulated chemical processing environment.

You should have a basic mechanical aptitude and a keen interest in learning how complex processing equipment operates. Logical thinking and problem-solving skills will help you adapt and thrive. Strong communication and teamwork abilities are essential, as you’ll work closely with experienced operators to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient production.

A commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, following strict safety protocols, and adhering to detailed written procedures is critical. You’ll need to keep accurate records to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations.

If you take pride in doing things the right way, enjoy working with your hands, and thrive in a clean, organised, and safety-focused environment, this apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Please note: Due to the nature of this position, applicants must be 18+

Experience

Previous experience in manufacturing or chemical processing is beneficial but not essential. What matters most is your attitude — if you’re reliable, proactive, and eager to learn, we will provide full training and support to help you succeed. Any hands-on experience with tools, machinery, or technical processes is a bonus.

Qualifications

We value your potential more than your past qualifications. If you’re passionate about pharmaceutical manufacturing and excited to develop new skills, we want to hear from you. This apprenticeship offers a strong foundation to grow into a highly skilled API Operator within an essential and expanding industry.

If this role doesn’t perfectly match your CV but you believe you’d be a great fit, please get in touch. We welcome driven individuals ready to make a meaningful contribution.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Over 24 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Piramal who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.

Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.

The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!

Eligibility

While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.

If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.

You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested here and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.