At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Graduate Programme and gain hands-on experience across key business areas.
- Company: Lakeland Dairies, a leading dairy processor with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Structured learning, mentoring, competitive salary, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and mobility opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:1 degree in relevant fields and a growth mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30600 - 37400 £ per year.
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is one of the leading dairy processors on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties. With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
We’re seeking passionate, ambitious and motivated graduates to join our Lakeland Dairies Graduate Programme, a 2-year structured rotational programme designed to accelerate your development and set you up for long term success.
Why Lakeland Dairies? We’re fuelled by ambition to be the dairy co-operative of choice for customers, providing the highest quality dairy nutrition and to be your employer of choice to grow your career. When you join the Lakeland Dairies team, you become part of a purpose-driven organisation made up of passionate, high-performing individuals who are ambitious, innovative, and deeply committed to sustainability. We take pride in the meaningful impact we make together.
Our Graduate programme has an excellent track record of successfully nurturing talent, injecting new perspectives and innovative thinking into our organisation across a range of key business areas annually.
What’s in it for you?
- Structured learning and development
- Real responsibility from day 1
- One-to-One mentoring from experienced industry professionals
- An accredited professional qualification
- Participation in diverse projects and real business projects
- Competitive salary package with excellent benefits
- Networking and team building opportunities
Commencing in September 2027, our two-year Graduate Programme is designed to enhance your development through structured job rotations. You'll gain a broad range of essential skills and hands-on experience across key areas of the business setting you up for long-term success and growth.
For 2027 intake we are seeking graduates to join us in… Marketing, R&D, Quality, Human Resources, Agricultural Science, Procurement, Member Relations.
What you need to apply?
We’re seeking ambitious, curious, and driven graduates who are ready to make an impact. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Academic Achievement: A minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as Business, Food Science, Agricultural Science, Marketing, HR.
- Growth Mindset: Eager to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges across different areas of the business.
- Strong Communication Skills: Able to collaborate effectively, present ideas clearly, and build relationships across teams.
- Problem-Solving Ability: Analytical thinkers who can approach challenges with creativity and resilience.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and seeks opportunities to develop personally and professionally.
- Team Player: Values collaboration and contributes positively to team dynamics.
- Mobility & Flexibility: Willing to rotate across locations or functions as part of the programme.
Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us. We are committed to equality and believe in building a diverse organisation that is representative of and responsive to the needs of our customers and stakeholders.
Engineering Graduate in Newtownards employer: Lakeland Dairies
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newtownards where employees are valued and supported. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides opportunities for continuous improvement and training, particularly in the use of their new ERP system. The inclusive workplace culture, combined with benefits such as a company pension and free parking, makes Lakeland Dairies an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the dairy processing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Graduate in Newtownards
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Internships in agriculture are often about getting your hands dirty, so don’t shy away from volunteer opportunities on farms or in community gardens. Reach out to local agricultural colleges or co-ops – they might have leads on internships or practical projects that can bolster your experience.
✨Tap into Agritech Communities
Join online forums and local meetups focused on agritech. These communities are buzzing with opportunities and can put you in touch with potential gigs. Platforms like AgFunder or even specific Facebook groups are perfect for networking and hearing about internships that aren't widely advertised.
✨Leverage University Career Resources
If you're a student, don’t forget to use your uni’s career services. They often host job fairs specifically for agriculture roles where companies come looking for interns. Sign up for alerts from these events so you can be the first to apply!
✨Show Off Your Passion
Make sure to showcase your enthusiasm for agriculture. Whether it’s a personal blog, a portfolio of projects, or a killer LinkedIn profile, let your passion shine through. And remember to apply through our website —Lakeland Dairies loves to see candidates who go the extra mile!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Graduate in Newtownards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Agriculture:Don't hesitate to let your enthusiasm for agriculture shine through in your application. Share any relevant coursework or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your interest, like crop science or environmental sustainability initiatives. This helps us see your motivation and aligns with our values at Lakeland Dairies.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don't have direct farming experience, anything related—like working on a farm, volunteering for community gardens, or even coursework—can strengthen your application. These experiences show us your willingness to get your hands dirty and your commitment to learning, which is crucial for an internship.
Tailor Your CV to the Field:When crafting your CV, focus on skills and experiences relevant to agriculture. Mention any technical skills, like familiarity with agricultural technology or data analysis. We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation in the industry.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell a story about why you want to intern in agriculture, particularly at Lakeland Dairies. Discuss what you hope to learn and how you can contribute to our projects. This personalised approach will set you apart from other applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lakeland Dairies
✨Brush Up on Your Agricultural Knowledge
As we're diving into the agricultural sector, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the latest trends, technologies, and practices in farming. Be ready to discuss precision agriculture, sustainable practices, or any recent innovations you've read about, as this shows genuine interest and initiative!
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Experience
Internships are all about learning, but don’t shy away from mentioning any hands-on experience you’ve had—be it working on a farm, volunteering with agricultural organisations, or even relevant coursework. This is your chance to highlight your practical skills and willingness to get your hands dirty!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face questions that explore how you’d handle real-life agricultural scenarios. The interviewer might ask about pest management, crop rotation strategies, or how to respond to unfavourable weather conditions. Think through some examples where you could demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Express Your Learning Goals
Since this is an internship, make it clear that you’re eager to learn and grow in the role. Share what specific skills or knowledge you’re aiming to gain during this internship at Lakeland Dairies. This demonstrates that you’re not just there to clock in hours but genuinely invested in your professional development.
