At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a four-year engineering apprenticeship, maintaining and repairing machinery at a cutting-edge dairy site.
- Company: Arla, a global leader in the dairy industry, values collaboration and personal growth.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive salary progression, 26 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Structured training with Kirklees College and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while shaping the future of dairy products like Cravendale milk and Anchor butter.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ with five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 27500 € per year.
Are you ready to earn while you learn and become a multiskilled engineer at a cutting-edge dairy site? Across four years, you’ll combine hands-on experience with classroom learning, keeping our technology running and helping deliver household-favourite products, while building a career-defining skill set.
How You Will Make an Impact
Embark on a four-year engineering apprenticeship at Arla’s Taw Valley site, working alongside a team of skilled engineers to maintain, repair and install machinery that powers our production. When issues arise, you’ll be the problem-solver who keeps lines running and our products flowing, from Cravendale milk to Skyr yoghurt and Anchor butter. Your learning is delivered in structured blocks with Kirklees College, blending practical and classroom training.
- Carry out maintenance, repairs and installations across automated production equipment
- Support root-cause problem solving and continuous improvement to reduce downtime
- Apply safety-first practices while developing hands-on technical capability
- Build knowledge across processing, packaging and utilities systems
- Progress through structured college blocks and on-site training to achieve qualifications
What Will Make You Successful
You’re 18 or over by September 2026 and ready for a hands-on role, bringing a solid educational foundation with at least five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including Maths and English (or the Scottish equivalent). You’re motivated to learn whether that’s picking up new skills on the job or sharpening your knowledge in the classroom.
A curious problem-solver at heart, you love figuring out how things work and fixing issues fast. You’re safety-conscious, a clear communicator, and a true team player who collaborates well. Organised and resilient, you can balance structured learning blocks with on-site responsibilities. When you apply, please list your qualifications clearly and include scanned copies of your certificates.
What Do We Offer?
Salary progression:
- Year 1: £21,000 per annum
- Year 2: £25,484.71 per annum
- Year 3: £26,500 per annum
- Year 4: £27,500 per annum
You’ll enjoy a comprehensive rewards package, including 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, a pension with matched contributions up to 6%, and life assurance at four times your annual salary. You’ll have access to discounted products through our Staff Shop, and we’re committed to your training and development. Our flexible benefits let you buy up to five additional days of annual leave and unlock retailer discounts via the My Benefits platform. During study blocks with our education partners accommodation and expenses for food and travel are provided.
Programme structure and qualifications:
- Year 1: 19 weeks at college
- Year 2: 10 weeks at college
- Year 3: 15 weeks at college
- Year 4: Fully based at site
- Qualifications: OAL Level 3 in Food & Drink Engineering Maintenance; Level 3 Health & Safety Award; 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Certificate
Would You Like to Join Us?
If this position is of interest, please apply directly via our careers page with your CV and your proof of GCSE certificates. Applications will close 6th April 2026. Any questions at all please reach out to Oliver Hickson-Burr - Talent Partner olibu@arlafoods.com
Recruitment process:
- CV shortlisting
- If successful - HireVue video interview
- Group interview (Teams): 18th or 19th of May 2026. This stage includes a competency-based interview and a group assessment.
- Final interview: Held at your preferred site and includes a dexterity task and meeting the team.
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.
Apprentice Engineer, Arla - Taw Valley (EX20 2DA) employer: Arla
Arla is an exceptional employer, offering a unique apprenticeship experience at our state-of-the-art Taw Valley dairy site. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from structured training alongside skilled engineers, competitive salary progression, and a comprehensive rewards package that includes generous holiday allowances and flexible benefits. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values your growth and empowers you to shape the future of dairy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer, Arla - Taw Valley (EX20 2DA)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Arla and their values. This will help you connect your skills and experiences to what they’re looking for, showing that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try out some mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions like problem-solving scenarios or teamwork experiences. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your curiosity! During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the role or the team. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to find out if this apprenticeship is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to highlight your qualifications clearly and include those scanned certificates as requested. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer, Arla - Taw Valley (EX20 2DA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When you apply, make sure to list your qualifications clearly. Don’t forget to include scanned copies of your GCSE certificates – we want to see what you've achieved!
Tailor Your CV:Make your CV stand out by tailoring it to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that relate to engineering and problem-solving. We love seeing how you can fit into our team!
Be Yourself in the Interview:If you get to the interview stage, remember to be yourself! We’re looking for genuine passion and curiosity about engineering. Show us your personality and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply directly via our careers page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arla
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on the basics of engineering principles and the specific machinery used in dairy production. Familiarise yourself with Arla's products and their processes, as this will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Think about times when you had to fix something or troubleshoot an issue, whether in school projects or personal experiences. This will highlight your curiosity and problem-solving mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the group interview, make sure to listen actively and contribute to discussions. Being a good communicator is key, especially when working in a team environment like Arla.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Since safety is crucial in engineering roles, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
