Sewing Machinist Apprentice
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Company: CAMERON BALLOONS LTD
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Location: BRISTOL, BS3 4NH
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £14,560.00 per year
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Sector: Engineering and manufacturing
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Ref: NAS-2000017072
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Application Deadline Date: 05/04/2026
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Start Date: 11/05/2026
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Positions Available: 2
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Working Week: Monday to Friday. 8.30am to 10.30am (15 minutes paid break) and 10.45am to 12.30pm (1 hour lunch unpaid). Then 1.30pm to 3.15pm (15 minutes paid break) and 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
Brief Description
This is an exciting opportunity to work for Cameron Balloons where you will use twin and single-needle industrial sewing-machines to make hot-air balloons for flying passengers, sport, advertising, marketing and even for breaking world records and competitions! You will be joining a family team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff.
Training to be Provided
All training will take place within the workplace with a dedicated Assessor visiting on a regular basis to carry out reviews, observations and set coursework targets.
You will work towards the Level 2 Sewing Machinist Standard and this may also include maths and English Functional skills (though this is dependent on your GCSE grades or equivalent, and could be exempt).
You will have an e-portfolio for submitting your work and you must log your off-the-job training on a daily basis.
Future Prospects
Long term employment for the right candidate.
Opportunities for progression within the company – to work on internationally acclaimed projects and globally recognised special-shape hot-air balloons and other inflated products.
Vacancy Detail
Job Description and Main Duties:
- Using industrial sewing machines
- Sewing skills to create the hot air balloon envelopes
- Learning sewing techniques, e.g. double seam stitching
- Attending inflations
- Cutting of fabric experience
- Following patterns to create the envelopes
- Excellent attention to detail – this is the most important skill.
Everything else taught in incremental stages - To be able to take and follow instructions exactly and to be willing to be part of a team
- Good listening skills and being able to retain work practices and skill level
- Being prepared to complete carefully crafted training pieces and work items to agreed reasonable deadlines
- Consistent, regular attendance in a tidy and professional manner
- Cheerful and enthusiastic conduct
- Work flexibility; working on a number of a different tasks or working independently as required
- Being able to cope with physically busy and active work
- Some or total familiarity with industrial sewing machines is highly useful but good confident use of domestic sewing machines and a variety of fabrics is of greater importance at this stage
Other Information
A driving licence is desirable not essential. Applicants should have their own transport or a reliable way of travelling to and from work.
The site is centrally located, with multiple bus routes stopping on East Street in Bedminster, just a short walk from the factory. Secure bicycle racks are also available on-site for staff use during the working day.