At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Maintenance Engineering Apprentice and tackle real-world engineering challenges.
- Company: Dale Farm, a leading dairy supplier owned by 1,300 UK farmers.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, pension, life assurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career while making a difference in the food industry.
- Qualifications: GCSEs with A-C in English, Maths & ICT; passion for engineering and problem-solving.
- Other info: 3-year apprenticeship with potential progression to a Higher Level Apprenticeship.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 Β£ per month.
Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship Programme Dunmanbridge (Cookstown) Dale Farm is owned by 1,300 UK farmers. We supply a wide range of dairy products, including cheese, butter, dairy spreads, fresh milk and ice cream 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 2 x Maintenance Engineering Apprentices.
The Role: In the Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship programme, you will gain the tools to respond to plant and equipment faults, fault diagnostic skills, ability to carry out planned maintenance, teamwork and communication skills and 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, and heat-pump technology. You will learn to apply problem-solving techniques while 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 (e.g. 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 - Dunman in Cookstown employer: Dale Farm Ltd
Contact Detail:
Dale Farm Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Engineering Apprentice - Dunman in Cookstown
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Dale Farm, their products, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
β¨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 is always a bonus!
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to engineering and problem-solving. You could even do mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining the team at Dale Farm.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Engineering Apprentice - Dunman in Cookstown
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for engineering and the food industry! Share any relevant hobbies or school projects that highlight your interest. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about starting their career with us.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your electrical and mechanical aptitude, as well as your problem-solving abilities. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, you can find more information about us and what we do there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dale Farm Ltd
β¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems. Familiarise yourself with basic engineering concepts and any relevant technologies mentioned in the job description, like refrigeration and heat-pump technology. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer technical questions confidently.
β¨Show Your Passion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the food industry and engineering during the interview. Share any relevant hobbies or school projects that demonstrate your interest in these areas. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and the company.
β¨Practice Problem-Solving
Since problem-solving is a key part of the role, prepare for situational questions where you might need to demonstrate your approach to troubleshooting. Think of examples from your past experiences, whether from school projects or personal interests, where you successfully solved a problem.
β¨Communicate Clearly
Good communication skills are essential, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, make sure to listen carefully to the questions and respond thoughtfully. This will not only showcase your communication abilities but also your ability to work well in a team.