At a Glance
- Tasks: Support software design, development, and maintenance while enhancing business systems.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturing company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a degree from the University of Dundee and receive mentorship.
- Other info: Office-based role with opportunities for career progression in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects and grow your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Interest in software development and basic programming knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
What you'll do:
- Support the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software systems used across the business.
- Assist with enhancements, bug fixes, and improvements to existing applications.
- Help maintain and improve internal systems used in production, quality, and supply chain operations.
- Support integration between business systems such as ERP, MES, and third‑party applications.
- Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards, and data visualisations.
- Assist with data extraction, transformation, and validation to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
- Take part in testing activities, document results, and help resolve defects.
- Produce and maintain technical documentation in line with company standards.
- Work collaboratively with IT, operations, production, and quality teams.
- Apply your academic learning to real workplace projects and continuously develop your technical skills.
Study and apprenticeship commitment:
As part of the programme, you will spend one day per week studying with the University of Dundee and will work towards achieving your degree over four years. This study time forms part of your working week. In addition, you will be expected to complete an average of 7–9 hours of independent study per week outside your contractual hours. Full participation in the Graduate Apprenticeship programme, including annual SAAS funding applications, is an essential requirement of the role.
What we're looking for:
- A strong interest in software development and digital systems.
- A foundation understanding of programming concepts and the software development lifecycle.
- Good problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- A willingness to learn new technologies and apply them in a practical environment.
- Basic knowledge of databases, SQL, or version control tools such as Git would be an advantage.
- An interest in manufacturing, operational systems, or food production would be beneficial.
Qualifications and eligibility:
To be considered, you must meet the entry requirements for the University of Dundee BSc (Hons) IT Management Graduate Apprenticeship, which typically include one of the following: BBBC at Higher, including two science or engineering subjects (Computing Science recommended), or A relevant Foundation or Modern Apprenticeship together with the required Higher qualifications, or Relevant work experience or equivalent, or Typically, an HNC/HND in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
Working environment and development:
This role is primarily office‑based, with exposure to production environments within a busy, compliance‑driven food manufacturing setting. You will receive structured on‑the‑job training, mentorship from experienced developers, and the opportunity to progress into future roles such as Software Developer or Systems Analyst as your skills and experience grow. You will also be expected to follow hygiene, health and safety, food safety, data protection, and IT governance requirements at all times.
Graduate Apprentice - IT Management - Balmalcolm & Orkie (Freuchie) in Cupar employer: Kettle Produce Limited
Join a dynamic team in Balmalcolm & Orkie, where you will not only gain hands-on experience in IT management but also benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With structured mentorship, opportunities for progression into roles like Software Developer or Systems Analyst, and a commitment to continuous learning through your partnership with the University of Dundee, this apprenticeship offers a unique blend of practical experience and academic achievement in a thriving food manufacturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Apprentice - IT Management - Balmalcolm & Orkie (Freuchie) in Cupar
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with alumni from your university. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Graduate Apprentice role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing any projects or coding you've done. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for software development and give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to IT management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Apprentice - IT Management - Balmalcolm & Orkie (Freuchie) in Cupar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for software development and digital systems right from the start. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your interest and skills in this area.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your programming knowledge, problem-solving skills, and any experience with databases or version control tools. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this apprenticeship and how your background aligns with what we’re looking for. Keep it personal and engaging.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kettle Produce Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your programming concepts and the software development lifecycle. Familiarise yourself with common tools like SQL and Git, as well as any relevant technologies mentioned in the job description. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to dive into the role.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Whether it's a project from your studies or a personal endeavour, being able to articulate your thought process and solutions will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your analytical abilities.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, be ready to talk about your experiences working in groups. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to team success in previous projects or roles. This will help them see you as a good fit for their collaborative environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s software systems, the integration of business systems, or the types of projects you might work on. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!