At a Glance
- Tasks: Support automation systems and learn hands-on engineering skills in a modern manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Altro, a family-owned British business with a focus on innovation and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access various employee support services.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with clear progression opportunities into engineering roles.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with a recognised qualification and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for engineering.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Join Altro and build your future in engineering. At Altro, we've been manufacturing innovative flooring and wall cladding systems since 1919. As a family-owned British business, we take pride in creating environments that improve people's wellbeing, while supporting our people to grow, develop and thrive. We're now looking for an Automation & Controls Engineering Apprentice to join our Letchworth site and start an exciting career in advanced manufacturing.
About the Apprenticeship
You'll complete the Level 4 Automation & Controls Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with Harlow College, attending one day per week on day release while gaining hands-on experience on site. The apprenticeship will take approximately 4 years. You'll work towards a Level 4 HNC in Engineering, building the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a qualified Automation & Controls Engineer.
What you'll be doing
- Support the maintenance and improvement of automation and control systems (e.g. PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation)
- Assist with fault finding and diagnostics using structured problem-solving techniques
- Help maintain equipment performance and reduce downtime
- Get involved in equipment installation, system upgrades and commissioning projects
- Learn how automation systems connect across our manufacturing operations
- Update engineering documentation including electrical drawings and PLC backups
- Contribute to a safe working environment following our Zero Harm principles
As your skills grow, you'll take on more responsibility and develop towards becoming a subject matter expert in automation and controls.
As well as an exciting opportunity and a competitive salary, what do we have to offer?
- Starting holiday entitlement of 25 days, with the option to buy more
- Defined contribution pension scheme
- Life assurance from day one
- Occupational Sick Pay and onsite Occupational Health Service
- Confidential 24-hour life management and personal support service for you and your family
- Enhanced family-friendly benefits, including Maternity, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave
- Free eye tests for all employees
- A paid day off each year for volunteering
- Free car parking at all our sites
- Long service awards
- Learning and Development support, regardless of your career stage
- Various social events, including the company Christmas party
- Retirement advice and support
What we're looking for
Essential:
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)
- Ability to travel independently to Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire (4 days per week) and Harlow College (1 day per week)
- A genuine interest in engineering, automation, or how things work
- Strong problem-solving skills and a logical mindset
- A commitment to working safely and following procedures
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Basic IT skills
Desirable:
- 64 UCAS points or a relevant Level 3 Engineering qualification
- Knowledge of electrical circuits or wiring
- Awareness of PLCs, automation, or control systems
- Interest in industrial technology or manufacturing
Why join Altro?
- Earn while you learn and gain a recognised Level 4 qualification
- Hands-on experience in a modern manufacturing environment
- Support from experienced engineers and mentors
- Clear progression opportunities into engineering roles
- Be part of a company that genuinely values its people
Everyone is welcome at Altro for who they are, no matter what their background is or how they identify. We appreciate that everyone is different and with that diverse uniqueness we can all thrive. “We don't want you to just work here. We want you to belong here.”
Career progression
This apprenticeship is designed to set you up for a long-term career, with opportunities to progress into roles such as:
- Automation & Controls Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Senior Engineering Technician
Important information
Apprenticeship training is delivered in partnership with Harlow College. Start date: September/October 2026 intake. You must secure employment with Altro before starting the apprenticeship.
If you're curious, hands-on, and ready to start your engineering career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and start building your future with Altro.
Engineering Apprenticeship - Automation & Controls employer: Altro
At Altro, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned British business that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it an excellent employer for aspiring engineers. Our Engineering Apprenticeship in Letchworth offers hands-on experience alongside experienced mentors, competitive benefits, and clear pathways for career progression, ensuring that you not only earn while you learn but also belong to a community that values your unique contributions.
