Quality Assurance Apprentice

Yara; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company based in the UK is looking for an apprentice Quality Assurance Technician. The role will support the Operations department with a focus on practical work in a Quality Control laboratory. Candidates need a minimum of English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, strong IT literacy, and excellent communication skills. The position offers valuable experience and education in quality assurance, along with rewards such as a private health plan and pension contributions.

Benefits

Private Health

10% Employer Pension Contributions

Annual Bonus Scheme

Confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Inclusion & Wellbeing Activities

Qualifications

• A good standard of IT literacy is essential for this role.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to handle various challenges.

Responsibilities

• Assist with quality incidents and non-conformances.
• Monitor quality assurance processes and compile KPIs.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with regulations.
• Provide quality support to plant operations as needed.

Skills

Good standard of IT literacy

Good communication skills

Good problem-solving skills

Good organisational skills

Discipline and self-motivation

Education

English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above

Job description

Reporting to the Quality Control Manager, the main responsibilities will begin in a supporting role and develop into full ownership over a two‑year period.

Responsibilities

• Assist with quality incidents and non‑conformances.
• Support the production of KPIs on quality assurance processes, including quality incidents, non‑conformances, and customer complaints, and monitor these in the electronic log.
• Help maintain the QC department’s documentation system and records in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Develop towards being the first point of contact for requests from the regulatory affairs department.
• Provide quality support to plant operations as necessary.
• Support the plant trials procedure in relation to quality assurance.
• Assist in the process for third‑party analysis samples as required by individual markets and regulatory requirements.
• Support the production of appropriate certification for YaraVita and YaraAmplix tested products where required, for registration and importation purposes.
• Ensure all associated paperwork is completed properly, accurately, and on time.

Candidate Requirements

Ideal candidates will need English and Maths at a grade 4 (C) or above. They should also possess:

• Good standard of IT literacy.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Good problem‑solving skills.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines while balancing priorities.
• Discipline and self‑motivation to balance the challenges of the role and study for a qualification.

Position Details

The role is currently based in Pocklington. However, to support business growth a new Global Production plant is being built in Howden, where the role will relocate from mid‑2026 onwards.

We are an apprentice Quality Assurance Technician providing support to the Operations department, focusing on Goods Inward and supporting the planning of our manufacturer for a global business that exports to over 60 countries.

Apprenticeship Details

The role is site‑based, 5 days per week, with approximately 4 days of practical work experience within the Quality Control laboratory and 1 day per week dedicated to studying to gain the Level 4 Quality Assurance Practitioner apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship covers four main headings: 1) Quality Planning, 2) Quality Assurance, 3) Quality Control, and 4) Continuous Improvement. A detailed learning plan is available to support passing the apprenticeship.

Diversity & Inclusion

Yara is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only the right thing but also the smart thing to do. Yara has firmly anchored Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in its business strategy and has more than 400 employees worldwide involved in DE&I ambassador networks.

Rewards & Benefits

• Private Health
• 10% Employer Pension Contributions
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Inclusion & Wellbeing Activities (including football & badminton)