At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn electrical engineering while producing sugar and working with advanced technology.
- Company: Join British Sugar, a leading beet processor with a strong local presence.
- Benefits: Earn Β£27,000 per year, gain practical experience, and enjoy career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on training in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Level 5/C or above, including Maths, English, and Science.
- Other info: Full-time apprenticeship with opportunities for growth and development.
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: 48 months
- Location: Bury St Edmunds
- Salary: Β£27,000 per annum
In this apprenticeship, you will follow an Electrical Engineering pathway, learning the science behind how we produce sugar and how we work with electrical and mechanical equipment plus highly automated programmable control systems. This includes learning a broad range of electrical areas from motors, high voltage distribution, transformers, pneumatics, and process instrumentation as well as learning some mechanical biased subjects, such as pumps, gearboxes, conveyors and elevators.
A 48-month programme, following a recognised Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Standard. During the scheme you will be gaining site based practical experience, in readiness to move into an Electrical Technician role.
During your scheme you will be working from our Bury St Edmunds factory site, 5-days a week, Monday-Friday for 8 hours each day. When you move into an Electrical Technician role you may then need to work a 12-hour shift pattern of 4 days at work and then 4 days not at work. This includes working some weekends and bank holidays.
The scheme gives you the opportunity to:
- Gain a solid knowledge of maintenance and operational practices, processes and procedures covering a range of plant and equipment.
- Understand routine maintenance, fault finding and diagnosis, testing and commissioning.
- Learn how to inspect and maintain plant equipment, assessing and testing the performance and condition of plant and equipment.
- Design, build, install and test electrical installations.
- Knowledge and understanding of engineering theories and principles.
- Understand the systems and procedures to work safely and efficiently.
- Develop the behavioural skills to be a great team member.
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. Candidates with an existing Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics may also be considered for the Level 4 qualification. 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.
Electrical Engineering Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds employer: British Sugar PLC
Contact Detail:
British Sugar PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Electrical Engineering Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research British Sugar and understand their values, products, and processes. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
β¨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!
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to electrical engineering and your experiences. Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident when itβs your turn to shine.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining British Sugar and ready to kickstart your career in electrical engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Engineering Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application π«‘
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. Itβs important to understand what British Sugar is looking for in an Electrical Engineering Apprentice so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Show Off Your Qualifications: Highlight your GCSEs and any relevant qualifications right at the beginning of your application. If youβve got a Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics, make sure we see that β itβs a big plus!
Be Specific About Your Skills: When writing about your skills and experiences, be specific! Mention any hands-on experience you have with electrical or mechanical equipment, and donβt forget to include any teamwork or problem-solving skills you've developed.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows youβre keen and ready to jump into this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Sugar PLC
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of electrical engineering. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like motors, transformers, and programmable control systems. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
β¨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Think about times when you collaborated on projects or helped resolve conflicts. This will demonstrate that you're ready to be a great team member.
β¨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship and the company. Inquire about the training process, the types of projects you'll work on, or how success is measured in the role. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the opportunity.
β¨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and think through how you would approach maintenance or fault-finding tasks. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.