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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and apply engineering skills while working with experienced mentors in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, home to iconic brands like Angel Delight and Paxo.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 5 weeks holiday, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and continuous development opportunities.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, Science, and English.
- Other info: Exciting apprenticeship leading to a Level 3 Engineering Technician qualification.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
We'll support you all the way - and once qualified, we'll continue investing in your future through further training and development opportunities. Please note: Training will take place at IPS International in Rochester. Apprentices will need to travel there regularly. As such, having access to reliable transport is essential, and a full UK driver's licence is desirable.
What You'll Be Doing
- Year 1: You'll spend your first year full‑time at college in Rochester, learning essential theory. During holidays, you'll come onsite to start applying what you've learned.
- Years 2 & 3: You'll be based on site in Ashford, working closely with experienced engineers who will mentor and guide you in developing technical and problem‑solving skills.
- Year 4: You'll join one of our shift teams, rotating through day and night shifts as you take on more responsibility and continue your on‑the‑job learning.
By the end of the programme, you'll be a fully qualified, multi‑skilled engineer with a strong foundation for career progression.
What We Need From You
- A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 / C or above, including Maths, Science and English.
- A genuine interest in engineering and technology (and a love of food doesn’t hurt!).
- Drive and enthusiasm to learn, grow, and pass on your knowledge.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
- A willingness to work shifts, including days, nights, and weekends.
- Reliable access to transport for travel to and from the training centre in Rochester (a UK driver's licence is desirable).
5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays. We are excited to offer four new apprenticeship opportunities at our Premier Foods site in Ashford, Kent (TN24 0LU) where we proudly produce some of Britain's best-loved brands like Angel Delight, Batchelor's, and Paxo. If you're curious about how things work, enjoy problem‑solving, and want to build a career in engineering, this could be the start of a fantastic journey for you.
What Is Mechatronics?
Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field combining mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computing systems. It's the backbone of today's modern manufacturing processes. Our Ashford site is home to highly automated, fast‑paced production lines, and we're continually investing in new technologies and equipment – making it the perfect place to learn.
About the Apprenticeship
In partnership with IPS International, we are offering a 4‑year apprenticeship programme that leads to a Level 3 Engineering Technician (Mechatronics) qualification and on to a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in engineering. You will gain hands‑on experience alongside highly skilled engineers and follow a well‑established development pathway as you grow into a multi‑skilled shift engineer.
Benefits
- Access to a range of employee benefits, including:
- A competitive salary, increasing each year based on successful academic and practical progress.
- Company pension scheme with life assurance.
- 5 weeks' holiday + bank holidays.
- Staff discount scheme.
- Onsite subsidised canteen.
- Company shop.
- ShareSave scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- BOOST – our Apprentice Skills Development Network.
The Interview Selection Centre will be held in June 2026. You will need to be available to attend if successfully selected for interview.
Apprentice Engineer employer: IPS LLP
Contact Detail:
IPS LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Premier Foods and their brands like Angel Delight and Paxo. Understanding their values and products will help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since strong communication is key, try to engage in conversations about engineering topics with friends or family. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from school or personal projects where you tackled challenges. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for engineering and your ability to think on your feet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re excited to see passionate candidates who are eager to learn and grow in the engineering field.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let us see your genuine interest in engineering and technology! Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm. We love to see candidates who are curious and eager to learn.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your GCSEs, especially in Maths, Science, and English, and mention any skills that align with what we’re looking for. This helps us see why you’d be a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS LLP
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your engineering fundamentals, especially in maths and science. Be ready to discuss how these subjects apply to real-world scenarios, as this will show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for engineering shine through during the interview. Share any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in technology and problem-solving. This will help you stand out as a motivated candidate.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the apprenticeship programme and the company. This shows that you’re engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the opportunities available.
✨Plan Your Journey
Since reliable transport is essential, make sure you have a plan for getting to the training centre in Rochester. Mentioning your transport arrangements during the interview can demonstrate your reliability and commitment.