Engineering Apprenticeship Programme Lead

Refresco; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading soft drink manufacturer in the UK is seeking an Engineering Training Manager to develop and lead apprenticeship programs. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure high-quality training. Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering background and a passion for mentoring. This position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, aiming to create a vibrant workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Company pension

Life insurance

Healthcare benefits

Qualifications

• Experience managing apprenticeship or training programmes.
• Strong commitment to developing people.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering apprenticeship programmes.
• Be the key contact for apprentices and training providers.
• Monitor and report on programme success.

Skills

Mentoring

Organizational skills

Communication

Strategic thinking

Engineering background

Job description

What’s in it for you :

• Competitive pay
• Annual bonus
• 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Option to purchase an additional 3 days annual leave
• Company pension.
• Life insurance.
• Access to employee benefits platform – Cheers which includes flexible benefits such as; healthcare cover, healthcare cash plan, dental insurance, car scheme, activities pass, financial services, will writing services etc.
• Unlimited online GP appointments with Unum for you and your family

About the Role

As our Engineering Training Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing tomorrow’s engineering talent. You’ll lead every aspect of our apprenticeship programmes—from recruitment to graduation—ensuring alignment with Refresco’s technical standards, Health & Safety requirements, and our vibrant ‘Great Place to Work’ culture.

You’ll collaborate with training providers, schools, colleges, and internal stakeholders to ensure high-quality learning experiences, strong apprentice support, and a clear path to career success within the business.

We currently support a team of 14 apprentices—both adult and junior—who are progressing through various stages of their development journey. As part of our continued investment in future talent, we plan to welcome an additional five apprentices during the 2025 / 2026 intake.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and manage engineering apprenticeship programmes from start to finish
• Be the key point of contact for apprentices, managers, training providers, and partners
• Track progress, provide feedback, and ensure timely intervention where needed
• Ensure training is effective, compliant, and meets business needs
• Identify skills gaps and continuously improve training delivery
• Drive internal recruitment and succession planning for engineering roles
• Champion Health & Safety and foster an inclusive, values‑led environment
• Monitor and report on programme success using clear metrics

Why Refresco?

We’re more than just the world’s largest independent bottler—we’re a place where your passion can make a real impact. You’ll help build a pipeline of skilled, motivated engineers while shaping a culture of learning, growth, and opportunity.

About You

You're a passionate mentor and natural organiser with a deep commitment to developing people. You thrive in dynamic environments, balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on support. With a strong background in engineering and experience managing apprenticeship or training programmes, you understand what it takes to guide individuals from potential to performance.

You’re confident building relationships across all levels—whether it’s engaging with young learners, liaising with training providers, or partnering with senior managers. You’re results‑driven, values‑led, and always looking for ways to improve learning experiences and outcomes.

Above all, you’re someone who genuinely believes in the power of great training to shape great careers—and you’re ready to make a difference.

About Refresco :

Our drinks on every table. That's the Refresco vision. We're passionate about producing tasty, refreshing drinks but we’re thirsty for more and growing fast. We’re a global business and have invested heavily to expand our manufacturing footprint to make us the largest independent bottler of soft drinks and fruit juices in the world. We currently produce 12 billion litres from 78 manufacturing plants in 15 countries and we’re only just getting started…

Our UK business has six manufacturing plants providing a great place to work for 1800 employees producing own label soft drinks and fruit juices for all the leading UK supermarkets. We also manufacture many of the best-known branded drink’s such as Monster Energy, Innocent, Ocean Spray and Vimto. Whether it’s packed in cartons, bottles, or cans, we ensure that our products are made to the highest quality standards and are on our customers’ table for every occasion!

Refresco are an equal opportunity employer. We are fully committed to diversity and inclusion.

#LI-GK1 Engineering Training Manager – Engineering Apprenticeship Programme Lead