At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and maintain complex engineering equipment while contributing to real projects.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a leading pharmaceutical company committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £24,570 plus benefits fund and bonuses.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while studying towards recognised engineering qualifications.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, plus 1 A level or equivalent.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with clear progression and support from mentors.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Starting base salary of £24,570 + 11% benefits fund + bonus.
At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet their unmet needs worldwide. We’re deeply committed to our strategy of being a great place to work, fostering an environment where everyone can be among inclusive, supportive individuals with curious minds. You’ll be backed and encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas to push the boundaries of science and continuously learn and explore.
Our apprenticeships offer a combination of education and hands-on, practical experience that employers are looking for. You’ll get stuck in on projects and tasks and earn a competitive salary whilst working towards a degree or qualification. Shape the future of engineering with AstraZeneca.
Our Engineering Apprenticeship develops the technicians and engineers of tomorrow, working with some of the most advanced equipment in the industry to keep our medicines manufactured safely and reliably.
What You’ll Do:- Build core skills across electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and process automation, learning to maintain complex equipment to the highest standards of safety, quality and documentation.
- Learn how production equipment and building systems operate, combining theory with hands-on practice.
- Contribute to engineering projects, including design, installation and testing.
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment through fault finding and diagnosis.
- Rotate across departments at our Macclesfield site for broad exposure and diverse learning.
- Year 1: You’ll spend most of your time at college building your theoretical foundation, with practical workshops to develop core skills.
- Years 2-4: You’ll be based on site as part of an engineering team, typically attending college one day per week to continue your studies. You’ll receive tailored, on-the-job training from in-house specialists, with a dedicated buddy and mentors to support you throughout.
Study towards nationally recognised qualifications: a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering followed by a Level 4 HNC in Engineering. We’ll consider your entry qualifications and support progression to the next level of study (which may include HND or above).
Why join us:- Real responsibility early on, working on live equipment and projects that make a difference.
- A supportive learning environment, structured training, and clear progression pathways.
- Experience across multiple engineering disciplines in a world-class pharmaceutical setting.
We truly value Early Talent – their thoughts, ideas and contributions. Throughout the programme, you’ll be encouraged and inspired to speak up, have a voice and make an impact.
Essential Skills / Capabilities Required:- Good communication skills
- Good team working skills
- High organisation skills and confidence to work independently
- Logical thinking to be able to apply processes
- Have a rational approach to problem solving; making judgements based on sound reasoning, approaching problems in a logical manner
- Concerns for standards
- High numeracy and literacy skills
- Self-motivation
- 5 GCSEs (grades 9-4) including English and Maths at grade 5 or above
- To have achieved or predicted to achieve a minimum of 1 A level or equivalent at Grade C (32 UCAS points)
This is a 4-year Fixed Term Contract opportunity based at Macclesfield, offering £24,570 starting base salary + 11% benefits fund + bonus.
Opening date of advert: 12th January 2026
Closing date of advert: 15th February 2026
Successful candidates will be notified after the closing date and will be asked to attend a virtual Assessment day week commencing 9th March 2026.
Start date for the apprenticeship programme is 7th September 2026.
We therefore offer a relocation package to help with the costs and process of moving for candidates who currently live more than 60 minutes from the site location for this Apprenticeship. These positions are not open to applicants who already hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related subject. To be eligible, the role must offer substantial new skills and learning beyond your previous studies. In some cases, we may request evidence of modules completed in prior qualifications to confirm suitability.
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca Plc
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice in Macclesfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know AstraZeneca! Research their values and culture so you can show how you fit in. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to highlight your alignment with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews or assessments, run through common questions and scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities right there, making it easier for us to keep in touch.
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with us at AstraZeneca.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the apprenticeship role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits into our world of engineering!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca Plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of engineering maintenance. Brush up on electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation concepts. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Think about times when you had to troubleshoot or repair something. AstraZeneca values logical thinking and a rational approach, so highlight your ability to diagnose issues effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the projects you'll be involved in. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
AstraZeneca emphasises teamwork, so be ready to discuss your experiences working in groups. Share how you contributed to team success and how you handle conflicts. This will illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively in a supportive environment.