Location: West Thurrock - Navigator Terminals Thames Limited, Oliver Road, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex RM20 3ED.
Working for PolyBitumes (Eurovia)
PolyBitumens is a modern, energy efficient facility with fully automated processes which produces high quality products that are designed specifically for UK highways and our changing climate.
Our dedicated in-house lab uses Eurovia’s worldwide expertise gained from tried and tested innovations to develop solutions for you, today and in the future. Using specialist technology we tailor our chemistry to suit climatic conditions and provide sustainable, optimal performance. We are proud to be a leader in developing Modified and Emulsified Bitumen products, and we would like to share with you our expertise in UK Highways.
The Package
Starting salary of £19,500/year
26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Workings hours are Monday to Friday 08:00am to 16:00pm
The Operations Apprentice role focuses on developing the skills and knowledge required to safely carry out core manufacturing activities within the PolyBitumens plant. This includes the safe receipt, storage, heating, blending, and dispatch of bitumen, polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), and bitumen emulsion products, while completing a recognised apprenticeship standard.
The role builds strong capability in health and safety, quality control, process operations, logistics coordination, and basic maintenance to support efficient and compliant plant operations.
Summary of duties:
Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E)
Follow site safety rules, permit-to-work, lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, and hot work controls.
Conduct dynamic risk assessments, point-of-work safety checks, and report near-misses/hazards.
Use correct PPE; maintain good housekeeping (5S).
Support spill prevention/response, waste segregation, and environmental monitoring (bunds, drains, emissions).
Participate in toolbox talks, safety briefings, and incident learning reviews.
Process Operations
Assist with safe receipt of feedstocks (bitumen and additives) via road/tanker, including sampling, temperature checks, and transfer line setup.
Operate heating systems, circulation, blending, and agitation processes within defined parameters.
Execute batch blending to production orders and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Complete routine tank gauging, valve line-ups, and product changeovers.
Prepare and load dispatch tankers, including pre-loading checks, and documentation.
Support start-up/shutdown procedures and process isolations under supervision.
Quality & Laboratory Interface
Take representative product samples under guidance.
Interpret results against product specifications; escalate non-conformances.
Support corrective actions (re-blend, re-heat, quarantine, lab re-test).
Complete basic preventive maintenance tasks and lubrication schedules where trained.
Raise work orders/defects, support contractors and maintenance teams during planned works.
Understand and apply equipment isolation/LOTO and permit compliance.
Logistics & Systems
Coordinate with planning, transport, and commercial teams for inbound/outbound schedules.
Use systems to record movements, batch IDs, stock reconciliations, and delivery paperwork.
Support stock management: daily/weekly tank reconciliations, ullage checks, stock variance investigations.
Continuous Improvement
Contribute ideas to reduce waste, rework, and energy consumption (e.g., heat loss, insulation checks, heat-up curves).
Please note: Due to the nature of the role and Health & Safety requirements, you must be 18+ to be eligible for this apprenticeship.
What could the future look like?
When you join PolyBitumes (Eurovia), the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.
Through practical training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for manufacturing and process operations. This apprenticeship programme serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in process manufacturing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science or Engineering Technician (RSci/Eng Tech).
This apprenticeship offers opportunities for professional growth, enabling you to specialise in areas such as process optimisation, quality control, or maintenance, and to progress into supervisory or leadership roles within the manufacturing environment.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
You’ll have a strong safety mindset, paying close attention to detail and following procedures at all times. You’ll be willing to work in a physical, sometimes hot process environment and outdoors when required, approaching tasks with reliability and professionalism. Numerate and accurate, you’ll be comfortable with record-keeping and communicating effectively with others. A dependable team player, you’ll be punctual, proactive, and keen to contribute.
Ideally, you’ll also have a basic understanding of mechanical or process environments, along with some familiarity with MS Office and an interest in data and trends. You’ll bring a curious, problem-solving mindset and a genuine willingness to learn and develop new skills.
Please note: Due to the nature of the role and Health & Safety requirements, you must be 18+ to be eligible for this apprenticeship.
Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous manufacturing experience can be helpful, it’s not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career.
You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you’ll fit right in.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!
