Apprentice Engineer

Premier Foods; Ashford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Ashford is looking for an Apprentice Engineer for a four-year program leading to a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Mechatronics. The role requires a strong interest in engineering, relevant GCSEs, and a willingness to work shifts. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience with skilled engineers and enjoy competitive salaries along with excellent employee benefits. The apprenticeship will also involve training at IPS International in Rochester. Apply now to start your engineering career!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company pension scheme

Access to employee benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of four GCSEs including Maths, Science, and English.
• Genuine interest in engineering and technology.
• Strong communication skills to work with others.

Responsibilities

• Spend the first year full-time at college in Rochester.
• Work closely with experienced engineers during Years 2 & 3.
• Join shift teams during Year 4, developing skills.

Skills

Interest in engineering and technology

Strong communication skills

Ability to work well with others

Drive and enthusiasm to learn

Willingness to work shifts

Education

4 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above

Job description

Apprentice Engineer

Date: 9 Feb 2026

Location: Ashford, GB

Job Title Apprentice Engineer

Level 4 Higher national certificate in engineering (Mechatronics)

1st year salary £23,809 per annum

5 weeks annual leave + 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.

Ifyou’recurious 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’sthe backbone of today’s modern manufacturing processes. Our Ashford site is home to highly automated, fast-paced production lines, andwe’recontinually investing innew technologiesand 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) qualificationand on to a level 4 Higher national certificate inengineering.

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’llsupport you all the way — and once qualified,we’llcontinue 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:You’llspend your first year full-time at college in Rochester, learning essential theory. During holidays,you’llcome onsite to start applying whatyou’velearned.

Years 2 & 3:You’llbe 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:You’lljoin 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’llbe a fully qualified, multi-skilled engineer with a strong foundationfor 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 fooddoesn’thurt!)
• Drive and enthusiasm to learn, grow, and pass on your knowledge
• Strong communicationskills 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
• Access to a range of employee benefits, including:
  • Company shop
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Employeeassistanceprogramme

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

The Next Step...

Ifyou’reready 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.