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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn mechanical engineering while producing sugar and maintaining advanced equipment.
- Company: Join British Sugar, a leading beet processor with a strong local presence.
- Benefits: Earn £27,000 per year with hands-on experience and career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Level 5/C or above, including Maths, English, and Science.
- Other info: Full-time apprenticeship with practical experience and potential for a Mechanical Technician role.
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: £27,000 per annum
In this apprenticeship you will follow a Mechanical pathway, learning the science behind how we produce sugar and how we design, analyse, manufacture, and maintain our mechanical and electrical equipment and highly automated programmable control systems. This includes learning a broad range of mechanical areas including pumps, gearboxes, pipework, bearings as well as learning some electrical biased subjects such as valves, actuators, isolation and high voltage distribution.
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 a Mechanical Technician role.
During your scheme, you will be working from our Bury St Edmunds factory site, 5-days a week, Monday-Friday, 8 hours each day. When you move into a Mechanical Technician role you may then need to work a 12-hour shift pattern comprising of day and night shifts. 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.
- 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.
Mechanical Engineering 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 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds
✨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.
✨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 can boost your chances of landing that apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to mechanical engineering. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Apprentice in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for mechanical engineering. Share any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest in the field. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this apprenticeship. Highlight your GCSEs, especially in Maths, English, and Science, and any engineering-related qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applicants who can communicate effectively, so make sure your writing is easy to read and understand.
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute! Apply through our website as soon as you can. We review applications on a rolling basis, and we might close the advert early if we find enough great candidates. Get your application in and show us what you've got!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Sugar PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of mechanical engineering. Understand key concepts related to pumps, gearboxes, and electrical systems. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight any group projects or experiences where collaboration led to success, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company. Inquire about the specific skills you'll learn or the types of projects you'll be involved in. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the opportunity.
✨Be Ready for Shift Talk
Since the role may involve 12-hour shifts, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt to different working hours. Showing that you're open to this aspect can set you apart from other candidates.
