2026 Apprentice Operator in Runcorn

**Job Description**

At Diageo, our apprentices learn by doing, earn industry‑recognised qualifications, and receive outstanding support from people who are dedicated to encouraging your development and success. We believe your potential deserves a place to shine. Our apprenticeships give you the space to build confidence, develop real‑world skills, and join a community where you can be your authentic self. You’ll work with leaders who model integrity, good judgement, and a commitment to creating safe, respectful, and empowering environments where everyone can thrive.

**WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT**

• An inclusive culture that welcomes you and values your unique perspective
• Supportive leaders who champion your growth and celebrate your progress
• Skills that set you up for success, including respected qualifications and hands‑on experience
• A safe and encouraging environment focused on wellbeing, learning, and confidence

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

Step into a role where you’ll keep our production line flowing, champion quality, and help us make world‑class products. You’ll learn fast, think boldly, and play your part in creating a safer, smarter, more efficient workplace.

**What You’ll Do**

• Run key machinery on the line and switch products with confidence
• Carry out quality checks and keep our standards high
• Keep your area safe, clean, and production‑ready
• Troubleshoot machinery or process issues using hands‑on technical know‑how
• Get involved in improvement projects that make our operations even better

This exciting on-the-job learning will support you working towards a qualification as a L3 Science Manufacturing Technician. Covering a period of 24 to 30 months you will spend your time between Diageo Runcorn and St Helen's College. Up to 12 months on the job will be as Day Shift (7am - 3pm). Following this, for the remaining apprenticeship, you will work a 42 hours per week shift pattern, including weekends, days and nights, and potentially 12-hour shifts. Suitable transport to and from work and college would be beneficial.

**Entry Requirements**

5 GCSE's A-C or Level 5-9 in English, Mathematics and Science are essential along with any practical related technology subjects. All qualifications must be gained in 2024 or earlier.

**Who Thrives in This Programme**

You’re confident, curious, and ready to grow. You bring a positive, resilient attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for practical, hands‑on work. You enjoy learning from others, take feedback well, and stay organised and calm even in fast‑paced environments. You love working in a team, communicating clearly, and stepping up when needed. You’re self‑motivated, enthusiastic, and driven to develop into a highly skilled engineer or technician of the future. Most of all, you bring real character, energy, resilience, and a willingness to learn.

**Key Qualities**

• Confident, resilient, and self‑motivated
• Keen interest in practical and manufacturing work
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Open to learning, mentoring, and feedback
• Methodical, organised, and calm under pressure
• Proactive with potential to grow into leadership

**REWARDS & BENEFITS**

Your first‑year salary follows the Real Living Wage, giving you a strong and competitive starting point. You’ll also receive Diageo’s industry‑leading benefits package. With the skills, experience, and long‑term opportunities available, this apprenticeship can be a powerful and exciting step toward your future.

**Your Future Career**

You’ll gain hands‑on experience, develop practical and theoretical expertise, and achieve industry‑recognised qualifications leading to Time Served status. This opens doors to long‑term opportunities across a global, innovative, world‑class organisation and more!

**WHAT THE SELECTION PROCESS LOOKS LIKE**

**STEP 1 — CV Submission**

Share your current CV with your education and any experience such as part‑time work, volunteering, sports, hobbies, or projects. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We will review all applications and you should receive notification within 2 weeks on whether you are being progressed to step 2.

**STEP 2 — Video Interview**

If selected, you’ll complete a short Hirevue video interview. (Where applicable, you can share your preferred specialty area.)

**STEP 3 — Assessment Centre**

These assessment centres are held on‑site and last typically around 3 hours. You’ll meet members of the team and take part in activities designed to understand your strengths as well as having the opportunity to meet current apprentices and ask questions. This is a positive and energising experience for everyone involved!

**WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU**

Our Talent Engagement Team is available for any adjustments or support you may need at any stage. We’ll also share helpful guidance to help you feel confident and prepared throughout the process. We’re hosting Parent / Caregiver / Guardian information sessions to help support the application process that can be booked here. (Additional sessions will be offered for candidates as they progress.) Flexibility is key to success in our business and many of our people work flexibly in many different ways. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

We’re excited to learn more about you — and to assist you as you take this meaningful next step in your career journey.

With over 200 brands sold in more than 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Every day, over 29,000 talented people come together at Diageo to create the magic behind our much-loved brands. From iconic names to innovative newcomers – the brands we’re building are rooted in culture and local communities. Our ambition is to be one of the best performing, most trusted and most respected consumer products companies in the world.

Our founders, such as Arthur Guinness, John Walker, and Charles Tanqueray, were visionary entrepreneurs whose brilliant minds helped shape the alcohol industry. And through our people, their legacy lives on. Join us, and you’ll collaborate with talented thinkers, leaders, and makers from all corners of the world. Together, you’ll innovate and push boundaries, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future that we can all be proud of. With diversity at our core, we celebrate our people's unique passions, commitments and specialist skills. Because when varied voices, mindsets, and personalities come together, great ideas are born. In our supportive culture, your voice will be heard and you’ll be empowered to be you. Just bring your ambition, curiosity and ideas, and we’ll celebrate your work and help you reach your fullest potential.