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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in maintenance engineering while solving real-world problems.
- Company: Join Dale Farm, a leading dairy supplier owned by 1,300 farmers.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, pension, life assurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career in a dynamic environment with growth potential.
- Qualifications: GCSEs with A-C in English, Maths & ICT; passion for engineering and the food industry.
- Other info: 3-year apprenticeship with potential progression to a Higher Level Apprenticeship.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship Programme at Dromona Creamery (Cullybackey). Dale Farm is owned by 1,300 UK farmers and supplies a wide range of dairy products to consumers and as food ingredients into the UK, Irish and international markets. Core to our success is our people, and we now have an exciting opportunity within the Engineering team for a Maintenance Engineering Apprentice at our site in Cullybackey.
The Role
Whilst completing the Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship programme, you will gain the tools to respond to plant and equipment faults, gain diagnostic skills and the ability to carry out planned maintenance. Your teamwork and communication skills will be developed, and you will be given the opportunity to become a key driver in electrical and mechanical manufacturing efficiencies. You will develop skills and experience in:
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical systems
- Digital software systems
- Environmental technologies
- Refrigeration
- Heat-pump technology
You will learn to apply problem-solving techniques whilst being supported and guided by an experienced engineering team, with opportunities to put theory into practice on site.
The Apprenticeship
You will have the opportunity to work towards an NVQ L3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer Apprentice Programme, with a local college (Dungannon SWC). This is a 3-year Programme, with the potential to progress to a Higher Level Apprenticeship, equivalent to a Foundation Degree.
What we are looking for:
- Total of 16 points at GCSE level inclusive of A-C in English, Mathematics & ICT (or equivalent)
- Essential Skills Level 2 in Literacy & Numeracy is desirable
- Good electrical/mechanical aptitude demonstrated through school activities/hobbies/interests
- A good work ethic with an interest and passion about starting a career in Engineering
- A passion for the food industry and a desire to learn
- Problem solving
- Self-motivated, good attendance and punctual
- Good communication skills with the ability to communicate across all levels
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Awareness of MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook etc)
- Full clean driving licence, as role involves daily driving to site and college
- Right to work in the UK (Sponsorship is not available)
These roles offer:
- An attractive salary package
- Pension and life assurance
- Excellent opportunities for personal development and further career advancement
To learn more about the company and to apply online visit our website. Completed applications must be received before 5pm on Saturday 28th February 2026.
Maintenance Engineering Apprentice - Dromona in Ballymena employer: Dale Farm Ltd
Contact Detail:
Dale Farm Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Engineering Apprentice - Dromona in Ballymena
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former apprentices at Dromona Creamery on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insider tips they might have. This can give you a leg up when it comes to understanding the company culture and what they really value.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Since this is an engineering role, be ready to discuss basic electrical and mechanical concepts. We recommend doing some research on common maintenance issues in the food industry to show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for engineering and the food industry during your interview. Share any relevant projects or hobbies that demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s not just looking for a job, but is genuinely excited about the opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Dromona Creamery. Get your application in before the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Engineering Apprentice - Dromona in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let us see your enthusiasm for engineering in your application! Share any relevant school projects, hobbies, or experiences that highlight your electrical and mechanical skills. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about starting their career in this field.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for the Maintenance Engineering Apprentice role. Highlight your GCSE achievements, especially in English, Maths, and ICT, and mention any relevant skills or experiences that align with what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more information about the role and our company there, which can help you tailor your application even further.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dale Farm Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of electrical and mechanical systems. Familiarise yourself with common faults and maintenance practices. This will not only show your interest but also help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for engineering and the food industry shine through. Share any relevant hobbies or projects that demonstrate your commitment. Companies love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the role!
✨Practice Problem-Solving
Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from school or personal projects where you tackled a challenge and how you approached it.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key, especially in a team environment. Practice explaining complex ideas simply and clearly. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you can work well with others.
