Trainee Maintenance Engineer

Tennial Personnel Ltd; Nacton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennial Personnel are recruiting a motivated Trainee Maintenance Engineer for an established dry food production site in Ipswich. The role operates Monday to Friday on a rotating early/late shift, with a temporary-to-permanent path after 12 weeks, subject to business needs.

You will support routine maintenance, inspections and fault finding to keep production running safely and efficiently, with full training provided and progression opportunities in a busy manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine maintenance and inspections to keep machinery running smoothly.
• Identify faults and perform basic repairs to minimise downtime.
• Support the maintenance team in safe operating practices.
• Learn from experienced engineers and develop practical skills in a busy factory setting.

Skills

Engineering interest

Hands-on

Attention to detail

Health and safety

Teamwork

Reliability

Punctuality

Problem solving

Production environment

Willingness to learn

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Intro course in mechanical/electrical maintenance

Engineering qualification advantageous

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 5:00 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