Apprentice Engineer

Women's Engineering Society; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,428 - 26,189; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme with life assurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

A leading engineering organization in the UK is offering a 4-year apprenticeship in Mechatronics at their Ashford site. The apprenticeship leads to a qualification in engineering and combines hands-on experience with theoretical learning. Applicants should have a minimum of 4 GCSEs and a genuine interest in engineering. Offered benefits include a competitive salary, employee perks, and continued development opportunities after qualification.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, Science, and English.
• A genuine interest in engineering and technology.
• Reliable access to transport for travel to the training centre.

Responsibilities

• Spend the first year full-time at college, learning essential theory.
• Work closely with experienced engineers in years 2 and 3.
• Join a shift team in year 4, rotating through day and night shifts.

Skills

Problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Drive and enthusiasm

Education

Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above

Job description

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.

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: You’ll spend your first year full‑time at college in Rochester, learning essential theory. During holidays, you’ll come onsite to start applying what you’ve learned.

Years 2 & 3: You’ll 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: You’ll 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

Access to a range of employee benefits, including:

• Company shop
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee assistance programme

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