Recruitment
Quality
Current Positions (Leeds LS9 0DX)
TRAINEE PLASTIC FABRICATOR
Pay: £12.71-£14.21 per hour
Hours: Full time
Location: Leeds
DIY Enthusiasts Wanted!
Do you love DIY? Enjoy carpentry, making things, or working with your hands? If so, you could build a brilliant career as a Trainee Plastics Fabricator with us at Barkston Plastics Engineering.
We’re looking for someone practical, curious, and motivated — someone who enjoys problem‑solving, measuring, cutting, assembling, and creating. If you’ve ever built furniture, renovated a room, crafted something from wood, or tinkered in a workshop, you already have the foundations of what makes a great plastics fabricator.
This entry‑level role offers full training in specialist plastics fabrication techniques, including cutting, bonding, forming, CNC processes, and assembly. You’ll learn how to turn sheet plastics into high‑quality bespoke products used across multiple industries.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Assisting experienced fabricators in cutting, shaping, and assembling plastic components.
- Using hand and power tools (similar to those used in carpentry and DIY projects).
- Learning specialist fabrication techniques such as heat bending and solvent bonding.
- Measuring, marking out, and preparing materials with accuracy.
- Supporting the assembly of finished products following clear instructions and drawings.
- Keeping your workspace organised and safe.
- Developing mechanical and fabrication knowledge through hands‑on training.
What We’re Looking For:
- No previous plastics experience required — full training provided.
- A genuine interest in DIY, carpentry, making, fixing, or building things.
- Familiarity with hand tools (saws, drills, sanders, clamps, etc.).
- Good attention to detail and pride in producing neat, accurate work.
- Willingness to learn new techniques and follow instructions.
- Basic understanding of workshop safety is helpful but not essential.
Why This Role Is Perfect for DIY Makers:
Plastics fabrication shares many of the same principles as carpentry: measuring, cutting, joining, shaping, and finishing. If you enjoy practical work and want a career where every day is different, this is a fantastic pathway into a skilled trade with long‑term progression.
What We Offer:
- Full, structured training in plastics fabrication.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunities to progress into skilled fabricator role.
- A varied workload — no two jobs are the same.
- A stable, rewarding career in a growing industry.
- If you’re hands‑on, enjoy making things, and want to turn your practical skills into a professional trade, we’d love to hear from you.
If you wish to apply, attach your CV and send to HR@barkstonltd.co.uk quoting reference: /TraineeFab.
Email: hr@barkstonltd.co.uk
Web: https://barkstonltd.co.uk/contact/
Indeed Jobs: https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=barkston+plastic+engineering&l=Leeds
PLASTIC FABRICATOR
Pay: £12.71 – £15.72 per hour.
Hours: Full time.
Location: Leeds.
Do you have some experience of welding?
Do you want to work in a forward thinking, supportive environment that produces varied goods for clients across the world? Are you hard working, keen to learn and able to use your own initiative? If yes, we may have the right opportunity for you.
We are looking for for experienced and junior fabricators to join our team! Becoming a fabricator with Barkston Plastic Engineering Limited will allow you to build a wide range of manufacturing skills within a supportive and successful business.
You will learn and quickly be able to work within the following:
- How to identify and understand the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of materials.
- Plastic welding, Line Bending, Bonding, Manual Tools, annealing ovens, Pillar drills, flame polishers and Diamond Polishing but not limited to.
- How to understand and follow engineering drawings and CAD models for projects from a variety of industries including pharmaceutical, emergency services and the car industry.
- How to fabricate units following a job sheet.
- Quality control and inspection procedures to BSI standards.
- How to use power tools such as routers, Welding Guns, angle grinders safely.
- Recognised manufacturing standards for housekeeping, maintenance etc such as 5s.
- How to identify and manage maintenance needs for a manufacturing unit.
Pay will depend upon skills and experience that you bring to the role. We are located on a park and ride bus service close to Leeds and work primarily set day shifts (options of 6.00am – 2.30pm Monday to Thursday & 6.00am – 12.00pm Friday / 8.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday / 8.00am – 2.30pm Friday). As an employee you will receive 22 holidays per year plus 8 bank holidays.
Desired skills:
- Welding.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Attention to detail.
- Communication skills.
- Able to use initiative.
Barkston Plastics Engineering Limited has a long serving workforce and is looking for the next set of skilled staff to develop their careers.
Benefits:
- Additional leave.
- Company pension.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free parking.
- Life insurance.
- On-site parking.
- Sick pay.
If you wish to apply, attach your CV and send to Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk quoting reference: /PlasticFab.
Email: Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk
Web: https://barkstonltd.co.uk/contact/
Indeed Jobs: https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=barkston+plastic+engineering&l=Leeds
SENIOR CNC ROUTER OPERATOR
Pay: £18.00 – £20.00 per hour.
Hours: Full time.
Location: Leeds.
We’re looking for an experienced Senior CNC Router Operator to join our day shift team. If you’re confident in the running and setting of machines— and enjoy coaching apprentices — this role gives you both technical ownership and leadership responsibility.
The Role:
- Program, set and operate CNC routers to produce high quality components.
- Read job packs and select correct materials, tooling and machining strategies.
- Maintain workflow, monitor progress and update the Production Supervisor.
- Troubleshoot issues and support maintenance to minimise downtime.
- Keep the work area clean, safe and compliant with all standards.
Training & Leadership:
- Train and mentor apprentices and new CNC operators.
- Carry out on the job coaching and competency assessments.
- Support cross training and guide operators through daily tasks.
About You:
- Strong CNC router experience and confident programming skills.
- A proactive problem solver with excellent attention to detail.
- Supportive, clear communicator who enjoys developing others.
What You’ll Get:
- Competitive hourly rate.
- Day shift hours with an early finish on Fridays.
- A supportive team and opportunities to grow.
Benefits:
- Company pension.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free parking.
- On-site parking.
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 08:00am – 16:30pm / Friday 08:00am – 14:00pm.
If you wish to apply, attach your CV and send to Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk quoting reference: /SenCNCRout.
Email: Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk
Web: https://barkstonltd.co.uk/contact/
Indeed Jobs: https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=barkston+plastic+engineering&l=Leeds
PLASTIC FABRICATION APPRENTICESHIPS (FULL-TIME) – LEVEL 2
221 Pontefract Lane, Leeds LS9 0DX
Start Date September 2026
Job description:
We are looking for apprentices in plastic fabrication/welding and lean manufacturing. Do you want to develop your skills in manufacturing in a forward thinking, supportive environment that manages challenging design work for clients across the world?
Are you interested in welding, hardworking, keen to learn and able to use your own initiative? If yes, we may have the right apprenticeship for you.
Becoming an apprentice with Barkston Plastic Engineering will allow you to build a wide range of manufacturing skills within a supportive and successful business. Our apprenticeships follow a structured programme under which you will receive close mentoring from experienced fabricators alongside support from our apprenticeship provider both at college and in the workplace.
You will learn the following:
- How to identify and understand the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of materials.
- Hand tools / machines – how to use tools such as plastic welding, routers, manual miller, lathe, annealing ovens, pillar drills, flame polishers.
- How to understand and follow engineering drawings and CAD models for projects from a variety of industries including pharmaceutical, emergency services and the car industry.
- Fabrication – how to fabricate units following a job sheet.
- Quality control and inspection procedures to BSI standards.
- Use power tools such as angle grinders safely.
- Recognised manufacturing standards for housekeeping, maintenance etc such as 5s.
- How to identify and manage maintenance needs for a manufacturing unit.
Pay will depend upon skills and experience that you bring to the role. As an employee you will receive 24 holidays per year plus 8 bank holidays.
Desired skills:
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Attention to detail.
- Communication skills.
- Able to use initiative.
Desired qualifications:
- Candidates will need to hold or have predicted GCSE grade 4/C or above in English, Maths and Science.
Benefits:
- Company pension.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Life insurance.
- On-site parking.
If you wish to apply, attach your CV and send to Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk quoting reference: Leeds/Appren.
Email: Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk
Web: https://barkstonltd.co.uk/contact/
Indeed Jobs: https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=barkston+plastic
MACHINING TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIPS (FULL-TIME) – LEVEL 3
221 Pontefract Lane, Leeds LS9 0DX
Start Date: September 2026
Job Description:
We are looking for an apprentice to join our machining and engineering team. Do you want to develop high-level machining and engineering skills in a forward-thinking, supportive manufacturing environment that produces complex components for clients across the world?
Are you interested in CNC machining, engineering, problem-solving, and understanding how precision parts are made? Are you hardworking, keen to learn and able to use your own initiative? If yes, we may have the right apprenticeship for you.
Becoming an apprentice with Barkston Plastic Engineering will allow you to build a wide range of machining and engineering skills within a supportive and successful business. Our apprenticeships follow a structured programme under which you will receive close mentoring from experienced machinists and engineers, alongside support from our apprenticeship provider both at college and in the workplace.
You Will Learn The Following:
- How to set, operate and programme CNC machines (mills, routers and lathes) using industry-standard controls.
- How to safely operate manual machining equipment including manual mills, lathes, pillar drills and routers.
- How to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models and technical specifications.
- How to select appropriate tooling, feeds, speeds and machining streategies for different materials.
- How to measure and inspect components using precision instruments such as micrometers, verniers and gauges.
- How to work to tight tolerances and quality standards required across industries including pharmaceutical, emergency services and automotive.
- How to apply recognised engineering and manufacturing standards including 5S, safe working practices and continuous improvement.
- How to identify and manage basic needs for machining equipment.
Pay will depend upon the skills and experience that you bring to the role. As an employee you will receive 24 holiday days per year plus 8 bank holidays.
Desired Skills:
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Attention to detail.
- Communication skills.
- Able to use initiative.
- Interest in machining, engineering or manufacturing.
Desired Qualifications:
Candidates will need to hold or have predicted GCSE grade4/C or above in English, Maths and Science.
Hours/Pay:
- 8.00-4.00pm Monday to Thursday, 8.00-2.00pm Friday (one day per week at college).
- Year one – £9.20 per hour.
Benefits:
- Company pension.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Life insurance.
- On-site parking.
If you wish to apply, attach your CV and send to Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk quoting reference: Leeds/Appren.
Email: Nick.Green@barkstonltd.co.uk
Web: https://barkstonltd.co.uk/contact/
Indeed Jobs: https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=barkston+plastic
Current Positions (Hebburn NE31 1UB)
There are currently no positions available.
Exceptional Quality Outcomes
Our engineering plastic premises in Leeds and Newcastle have the machinery and technologies which help our skilled plastic engineers to manufacture simple, complex and tight tolerance parts in whatever quantities required. Our Quality Assurance procedures thoroughly control component quality during all aspects of our manufacture.
Compliance
Our thorough working practices ensure that specific REACH or RoHS certification can be sent with all orders. We are well-equipped to help you meet specs with testing and inspection reports, lot and batch traceability, custom packaging and labelling.
