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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to optimise and automate sugar production systems with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join British Sugar, a leading beet processor with a strong commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Earn £25,000, gain a Level 4 qualification, and enjoy hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career while making a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Level 5/C or above, plus a Level 3 in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship lasting 55 months with excellent career progression opportunities.
British Sugar is a home-grown success story and one of the most efficient and competitive beet processers in the world. Around 3,500 farmers based in East Anglia and the East Midlands supply our four advanced manufacturing sites with eight million tonnes of sugar beet every year. We, in turn, make this into over 1 million tonnes of sugar, serving customers across the UK, Ireland and increasingly growing commercially in the EU and world sugar markets.
Job Details
- Full-Time, Apprenticeship
- Duration: 55 months
- Location: Bury St Edmunds
- Salary: £25,000.00
In this apprenticeship, you will follow a Control Engineering pathway, focusing on understanding, configuring, and optimizing the systems that automate and regulate sugar production. You will delve into the science behind control systems and automation, gaining expertise in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), distributed control systems (DCS), and other advanced automation technologies. This includes studying a broad range of topics such as control theory, process dynamics, sensors, actuators, and instrumentation, alongside related mechanical and electrical subjects like motor control, pneumatics, conveyors, and elevators.
A 55-month programme, following the Automation & Control Engineering Technician Standard, achieving a Level 4 qualification recognised by the Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech) and all the practical experience alongside, to be ready to move into a Control Engineer (Development) role.
During your scheme you will be working from our Bury Customer Supply site, 5-days a week, Monday-Friday for 8 hours each day. During periods of site support, you may occasionally be required to work on weekends and bank holidays.
This scheme gives you the opportunity to:
- Understand how the key operational functions work within our factories.
- Gain a good knowledge of our processes and equipment.
- Understand our systems and procedures to work safely and efficiently.
- Develop the behavioural skills to be a great team member.
- Develop skills to troubleshoot and fault find on plant using tools including system tools and techniques, through commissioning, maintenance, and operational periods.
- Develop skills to troubleshoot and fault find control system faults.
- Develop skills to design, develop and manage modern PLC based control systems and distributed control systems on our sites.
- Gain knowledge of operational technology (OT) systems and how the modern control systems and OT integrate with information technology (IT) systems.
What will you need?
You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Level 5/C or above which must include Maths, English and a Science. Plus, a Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics. Candidates must be able to travel to the workplace and to attend College.
Application Closing Date: 5th April 2026. We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job adverts early, in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please do not delay in submitting your application.
Control Engineer Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds employer: British Sugar PLC
Contact Detail:
British Sugar PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Engineer Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research British Sugar and their operations. Understanding their processes and values will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to control engineering and automation. Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident and articulate your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at British Sugar. Don’t wait too long, though – apply early to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Control Engineer Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let us see your enthusiasm for control engineering! In your application, mention any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest in automation and control systems. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the field.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this apprenticeship. Highlight your GCSEs, Level 3 qualifications, and any engineering-related skills. We want to see how you fit into our world of sugar production and automation!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—show us what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at British Sugar.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Sugar PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on control engineering concepts, especially around PLCs and SCADA systems. Familiarise yourself with the basics of control theory and automation technologies, as these will likely come up in your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for the role and the industry. Talk about why you’re interested in control engineering and how it relates to sugar production. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This could be about the apprenticeship structure, the types of projects you might work on, or how the team collaborates. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn more.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well in a team. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues, as this will be crucial in a manufacturing environment.
