Trainee Maintenance Engineer

Tennial Personnel Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennial Personnel Ltd in Ipswich is recruiting a motivated Trainee Maintenance Engineer for a dry food production company. This temporary-to-permanent role starts on a Monday-Friday rotating shift (early 5:00-15:00, late 13:30-23:00) with training and hands-on experience in keeping production machinery and facilities safe and efficient.

You will learn routine maintenance, inspections, fault diagnosis and basic repairs, supported by skilled engineers.

Qualifications

• No formal engineering qualifications are essential, though relevant qualifications would be advantageous.
• GCSE or equivalent level of English and Mathematics would be beneficial.
• A qualification or introductory course in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, maintenance or a related subject would be an advantage.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, production, engineering or a hands‑on technical role would be beneficial but is not essential.
• An understanding of basic mechanical or electrical systems would be advantageous.
• A willingness to undertake further training and develop the skills required to progress within an engineering and maintenance career.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine maintenance and inspections.
• Identify faults and carry out basic repairs.
• Help to minimise machinery downtime and support safe production.
• Learn from experienced engineers with full training and ongoing support.

Skills

Engineering interest

Hands-on problem solving

Attention to detail

Health and safety

Team work

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Mathematics

Intro course in mechanical/electrical

Manufacturing experience beneficial

Job description

Tennial Personnel are currently recruiting for a motivated and reliable Trainee Maintenance Engineer to join our client’s team at an established dry food production company based in Ipswich. This position is offered on a temporary-to-permanent basis, with the opportunity to become permanent following 12 successful working weeks, subject to business requirements. The role operates on a Monday to Friday rotating shift pattern, alternating between an early shift of 5:0 AM to 3:00 PM and a late shift of 1:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

The role will involve supporting the maintenance team in keeping production machinery, equipment and facilities operating safely and efficiently within a busy food manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in engineering and maintenance, gaining practical experience while learning from experienced engineers.

The successful candidate will assist with routine maintenance, equipment inspections, fault identification and basic repairs, helping to minimise machinery downtime and ensure production runs smoothly. Full training and ongoing support will be provided, although previous experience in engineering, mechanical maintenance, electrical work or a manufacturing environment would be advantageous.

Candidates must have a practical, hands‑on approach, a willingness to learn and a strong commitment to health and safety. Due to the products handled on site, applicants must not have allergies to nuts or seeds.

Skills Required

• A genuine interest in engineering, mechanical maintenance or electrical systems.
• A practical, hands‑on approach to problem-solving and learning new skills.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Strong commitment to health and safety procedures and safe working practices.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Reliability, punctuality and a positive attitude towards work.
• Ability to work in a busy food production environment.
• Willingness to learn about production machinery, preventative maintenance and fault-finding techniques.
• Flexibility to work the rotating early and late shift pattern.
• Ability to remain calm and follow instructions when production equipment develops a fault.

Qualifications Required

• No formal engineering qualifications are essential, although relevant qualifications would be advantageous.
• A GCSE or equivalent level of English and Mathematics would be beneficial.
• A qualification or introductory course in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, maintenance or a related subject would be an advantage.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, production, engineering or a hands‑on technical role would be beneficial but is not essential.
• An understanding of basic mechanical or electrical systems would be advantageous.
• A willingness to undertake further training and develop the skills required to progress within an engineering and maintenance career.

Keywords

• Maintenance
• Engineer