At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to maintain and troubleshoot automated systems in a busy hatchery.
- Company: Join a supportive team at a growing poultry business.
- Benefits: Paid college time, competitive salary, and hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real-world experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Interest in engineering and GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and further training after your apprenticeship.
We’re looking for a motivated and hands‑on individual to join our team as an Apprentice Hatchery Maintenance Engineer, reporting to the Engineering Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain real‑world experience while working towards your Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician apprenticeship. You’ll learn how to maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated equipment and systems within a busy poultry hatchery environment – playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our production processes.
What you’ll be doing:
- Assisting with the maintenance, repair, and installation of mechanical, electrical, and control systems used in hatchery operations
- Learning how to fault‑find and diagnose issues on a wide range of automated equipment
- Completing routine maintenance tasks under supervision
- Keeping accurate maintenance records and reporting issues
- Attending college (typically 1 day per week) to complete your Mechatronics Maintenance Technician qualification
- Developing your skills and knowledge through both on‑the‑job training and academic study
What we’re looking for:
- A genuine interest in engineering, mechanics, and automation and how things work
- A practical, hands‑on approach to problem‑solving
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Reliability, motivation, and a willingness to learn
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths, and Science at grade 4/C or above (or working towards)
- A full UK driving licence or ability to get to the hatchery site reliably
What we offer:
- Full support and mentoring throughout your apprenticeship
- Paid time to attend college to complete the Mechatronics maintenance technician apprenticeship
- Hands‑on experience with modern hatchery equipment and systems
- Opportunities for progression and further training upon completion
- Being part of a supportive, experienced engineering team in a growing business
- Competitive apprenticeship salary
Company Benefits:
- Private counselling support services
- Auto enrolment Pension available
- Staff and family events
- Monthly Employee Draw
- Long Service Awards
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Ipswich
Hours per week: 40‑45 Hours per week
Working Times: Working hours will be approximately 05:45am – 14:45pm, with a 30 minute paid lunch break. Additional hours may be required at the weekends for additional out of hours maintenance
Pay Rate: £12.21 per hour
Interested: Please contact the HR department by email – hr@gressinghamfoods.co.uk to request an application form.
Apprentice Hatchery Maintenance Engineer at Woodbridge, Ipswich 21/11/2025 employer: Gressingham Foods
Contact Detail:
Gressingham Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Hatchery Maintenance Engineer at Woodbridge, Ipswich 21/11/2025
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Woodbridge and their hatchery operations. Understanding their values and what they do will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local engineering events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to engineering and maintenance. Think about your hands-on experiences and how they relate to the role – this will help you articulate your skills confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing this apprenticeship. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Hatchery Maintenance Engineer at Woodbridge, Ipswich 21/11/2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let us see your genuine interest in engineering and mechanics right from the start. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Apprentice Hatchery Maintenance Engineer role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills: Since teamwork is key in our environment, share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past. This will show us that you can collaborate effectively within our supportive engineering team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gressingham Foods
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of engineering, mechanics, and automation. Familiarise yourself with common maintenance tasks and the types of equipment used in hatcheries. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Hands-On Skills
Since this role is all about practical work, be ready to discuss any hands-on experience you've had. Whether it's a school project or a hobby, share specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you approach mechanical issues.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in any team environment. Practice explaining complex ideas simply and clearly. During the interview, make sure to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to questions, showing that you can work well with others.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the apprenticeship and the company. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you understand what to expect. You might ask about the types of projects you'll work on or how the team supports apprentices in their learning journey.