Apprentice Process Operator in York

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life’s essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.

Job Purpose and Impact

Full-Time Apprenticeship | Food & Drink Technical Operator Level 3
Location: York, YO31 8BA
Start Date: January 2027
Apprenticeship Provider: University of Lincoln
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday during initial training, progressing to a 4-on, 4-off rotating shift pattern as competence develops.

Position Purpose

As an Apprentice Process Operator, you will learn how to safely operate, monitor, and maintain manufacturing equipment while producing products that meet quality, food safety, and customer requirements. Working alongside experienced operators, engineers, and supervisors, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to complete the Level 3 Food & Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop technical skills and build a long-term career in food manufacturing.

Apprenticeship Programme

The apprenticeship is delivered by the University of Lincoln through block-release learning and combines:

• Practical workplace training
• Structured classroom learning
• Food safety, GMP, and HACCP principles
• Manufacturing process operations
• Continuous improvement techniques
• Personal and professional development

You will receive dedicated off-the-job training time and be fully supported throughout the programme by both Cargill and the University of Lincoln.

Working Hours

During your first year, you may work a standard Monday-Friday pattern to support onboarding and training. As your skills and competence develop, you will transition into the site's operational shift pattern: 2 x 12-hour day shifts, 2 x 12-hour night shifts followed by 4 days off. Flexibility will be required to support both operational and apprenticeship requirements.

Key Accountabilities

As part of your apprenticeship, you will:

• Learn to safely operate manufacturing and process equipment.
• Complete equipment checks and production start-up activities.
• Monitor production processes and equipment performance.
• Carry out routine operational and quality checks.
• Record production and quality information using computer-based systems.
• Collect samples and support quality assurance activities.
• Assist with product changeovers and production set-up.
• Support preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting activities.
• Safely handle ingredients, materials, and finished products.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, hygiene, and food safety.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), HACCP, environmental, and health & safety requirements.
• Work across different production areas to broaden your skills and experience.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Attend apprenticeship training, assessments, and development activities.
• Work towards successful completion of the apprenticeship and End Point Assessment.

Qualifications

We welcome applications from school leavers, college leavers, graduates, career changers, and individuals returning to work. No previous food manufacturing experience is required. We are looking for people who demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in manufacturing, engineering, or food production.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic numeracy and problem-solving ability.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow procedures and safety standards.
• Confidence using computers and digital systems.
• Willingness to work towards a rotating shift pattern.

Our Offer

We will provide a fast paced stimulating international environment, which will stretch your abilities and channel your talents. We also offer competitive salary and benefits combined with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process and workplace. We encourage candidates to let us know if they require any accommodations during the recruitment or interview process so we can support them appropriately.

Interested? Then make sure to send us your CV and cover letter in English today.