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- 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 annum, gain practical experience, and develop your skills.
- 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: 48-month apprenticeship with potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
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.
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 Newark 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.
Application Closing Date: 5 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 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
✨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 apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the closing date and apply early to stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for mechanical engineering! Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your interest in the field. This will help us understand why you want to join our team at British Sugar.
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 other qualifications that relate to engineering. We want to see how your skills match 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 a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team. Remember, the sooner you apply, the better your chances!
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.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight any group projects or experiences where you contributed to a common goal, 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 Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would approach maintenance tasks or troubleshoot equipment issues. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills can set you apart from other candidates.
