At a Glance
- Tasks: Support maintenance and improvement of automated production equipment while learning from experienced engineers.
- Company: Join Memory Lane Cakes, a leading cake manufacturer with a friendly and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced leave, retail discounts, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Receive ongoing coaching and support while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for engineering, good Maths and Science skills, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Memory Lane Cakes Ltd, Maes Y Coed Road, Cardiff, United Kingdom
We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Apprentice to join our team and begin a rewarding career within a fast‑paced, highly automated food manufacturing environment. Our Memory Lane Cakes site is one of our cake bakeries within Finsbury Food Group. We make a large percentage of the UK's sharing cakes from retailer own brands cakes, tray bakes through to party cakes like Caterpillar cakes. They employ over 850 people on site and the site runs 24/7, which encompasses a culture of teamwork, friendly and respectful leadership and a focus on continuous improvement at all levels.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about engineering, enjoys problem‑solving, and wants to develop a broad range of technical skills while working towards a recognised engineering qualification. You’ll gain hands‑on experience supporting the maintenance, repair, and improvement of modern production equipment, while learning from an experienced and supportive engineering team.
As an Engineering Apprentice, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers to help keep our highly automated production lines running safely, efficiently, and reliably. You’ll learn how to maintain, repair, fault‑find, and improve a wide range of machinery and equipment while developing your knowledge across mechanical, electrical, automation, controls, sensors, and data collection systems. You’ll support planned preventive maintenance activities, equipment inspections, breakdown repairs, and continuous improvement projects, gaining practical experience in a real manufacturing environment.
Working closely with production teams, you’ll learn how engineering performance impacts factory output, product quality, and customer service. You’ll play an active role in maintaining high standards of Health & Safety, Food Safety, hygiene, and housekeeping, ensuring all work is completed safely and in line with site procedures. You’ll also learn how to use engineering systems, tools, technical documentation, and maintenance records correctly as part of your development.
This is a varied and hands‑on role where no two days are the same. From supporting production during breakdowns to helping install new equipment and improve existing processes, you’ll be continually learning and developing your skills. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support from experienced engineers, alongside formal training, helping you build the confidence, technical knowledge, and practical experience needed for a successful engineering career.
Ideally this is you!
- Passionate about engineering and keen to build a long‑term career in the industry
- Motivated, enthusiastic, and genuinely willing to learn
- Strong interest in mechanical, electrical, automation, or manufacturing technology
- Good understanding of Maths and Science and able to apply logical problem‑solving skills
- Comfortable using computers and learning new systems and technology
- Curious, proactive, and willing to ask questions and seek out learning opportunities
- Able to work well as part of a team and communicate effectively with others
- Reliable, committed, and able to remain calm under pressure
- Positive attitude with a strong work ethic and desire to develop
- Interested in continuous improvement and finding better ways of working
- CAD experience or knowledge would be beneficial but is not essential
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English in line with apprenticeship entry requirements
What’s in it for you?
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
- Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees
- Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families)
- Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
- Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral –T&C’s dependent)
- Employee Recognition Awards
- Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in‑house development course!)
This role offers a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced engineers, gain recognised qualifications, work with modern manufacturing technology, and develop a lifelong career within a growing business.
Engineering - Apprentice in Cardiff employer: Finsbury Food
Memory Lane Cakes Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for Engineering Apprentices in Cardiff. With a strong focus on teamwork and continuous improvement, employees benefit from extensive learning and development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of perks including enhanced parental leave and retail discounts. This is a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in a highly automated food manufacturing setting while working alongside experienced engineers dedicated to fostering your growth and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering - Apprentice in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Memory Lane Cakes. Understand their products, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your passion for engineering aligns with the role. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples where you've tackled challenges. Whether it's a school project or a personal hobby, demonstrating your ability to think critically will impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering - Apprentice in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in the field. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with us.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and interests align with the role. Mention specific aspects of the job description that resonate with you, like problem-solving or working with modern technology. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we want to know all about you, it’s important to keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. A well-structured application makes it easier for us to see your potential and understand your journey so far.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finsbury Food
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your mechanical and electrical fundamentals. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios, especially in a manufacturing context. This shows your passion for engineering and your ability to problem-solve.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in the past, whether through projects or self-study. This will resonate well with the team at Memory Lane Cakes, who value continuous improvement.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the types of machinery you'll be working with or the training opportunities available. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the apprenticeship and the company.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with production teams, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team's success, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and work well under pressure.
