Apprentice Engineer

Premier Foods; Ashford; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Ashford is seeking Apprentice Engineers for a 4-year apprenticeship program focused on Mechatronics. Candidates will gain hands-on experience alongside skilled engineers and achieve qualifications while learning in a supportive environment. A minimum of 4 GCSEs and a strong interest in engineering are essential. The role offers a competitive salary, annual leave, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary increases

Company pension scheme

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

Subsidised canteen

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, Science, and English.
• Genuine interest in engineering and technology.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well with others.
• Reliable access to transport for travel to the training centre.

Responsibilities

• Full-time college training in Year 1 in Rochester.
• Hands-on training with experienced engineers in Years 2 and 3.
• Join shift teams in Year 4 for continued learning and increased responsibilities.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Enthusiasm to learn

Teamwork

Education

4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, Science, and English

Job description

Apprentice Engineer – Premier Foods Ashford

Location: Ashford, Kent (TN24 0LU)

Level: 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering (Mechatronics)

Salary: £23,809 per annum (Year 1)

Annual leave: 5 weeks + bank holidays

We are excited to offer four new apprenticeship opportunities at our Premier Foods site in Ashford, Kent (TN24 0LU) where we proudly produce some of Britain’s best‑loved brands like Angel Delight, Batchelor’s, and Paxo.

If you’re curious about how things work, enjoy problem-solving, and want to build a career in engineering, this could be the start of a fantastic journey for you.

What Is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field combining mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computing systems. It’s the backbone of today’s modern manufacturing processes. Our Ashford site is home to highly automated, fast‑paced production lines, and we’re continually investing in new technologies and equipment — making it the perfect place to learn.

About The Apprenticeship

In partnership with IPS International, we are offering a 4‑year apprenticeship programme that leads to a Level 3 Engineering Technician (Mechatronics) qualification and on to a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering.

You will gain hands‑on experience alongside highly skilled engineers and follow a well‑established development pathway as you grow into a multi‑skilled shift engineer.

We’ll support you all the way — and once qualified, we’ll continue investing in your future through further training and development opportunities.

Please note: Training will take place at IPS International in Rochester. Apprentices will need to travel there regularly. As such, having access to reliable transport is essential, and a full UK driver’s licence is desirable.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Year 1: Spend your first year full‑time at college in Rochester, learning essential theory. During holidays, come onsite to start applying what you’ve learned.
• Years 2 & 3: Be based on site in Ashford, working closely with experienced engineers who will mentor and guide you in developing technical and problem‑solving skills.
• Year 4: Join one of our shift teams, rotating through day and night shifts as you take on more responsibility and continue your on‑the‑job learning.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be a fully qualified, multi‑skilled engineer with a strong foundation for career progression.

What We Need From You

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, Science, and English.
• A genuine interest in engineering and technology (and a love of food doesn’t hurt!).
• Drive and enthusiasm to learn, grow, and pass on your knowledge.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
• A willingness to work shifts, including days, nights, and weekends.
• Reliable access to transport for travel to and from the training centre in Rochester (a UK driver’s licence is desirable).

What We Offer You

• A competitive salary, increasing each year based on successful academic and practical progress.
• Company pension scheme with life assurance.
• 5 weeks’ holiday + bank holidays.
• Staff discount scheme.
• Onsite subsidised canteen.
• Company shop.
• ShareSave scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee assistance programme.
• BOOST – our Apprentice Skills Development Network.

The Interview Selection Centre will be held in June 2026. You will need to be available to attend if successfully selected for interview.

The Next Step

If you’re ready to take your first step into a career in engineering and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference every day, click apply via our website and upload your CV.