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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, 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: Full-time apprenticeship with excellent career progression opportunities.
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 processors 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: Cantley
- 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 Cantley 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 Cantley employer: British Sugar
Contact Detail:
British Sugar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Apprentice in Cantley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former apprentices at British Sugar on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you understand the basics of mechanical engineering and the specific processes at British Sugar. We want to see your passion for the industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. British Sugar values collaboration, so let them know you're a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the British Sugar family. Get your application in before the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Apprentice in Cantley
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 highlight your interest in the field. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what they’ll be learning!
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 background fits with what we do at British Sugar.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, so make sure your writing is easy to read and understand.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review applications as they come in and may close the advert early if we find enough great candidates. Head over to our website and get your application in today!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Sugar
✨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 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. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills will set you apart from other candidates.
