At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our engineering team to maintain and repair machinery while earning a qualification.
- Company: Pilgrim’s Europe, a leading food business with a focus on real skills and opportunities.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, pension, employee discounts, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Structured training with support from experienced engineers and a recognised Level 3 qualification.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Curiosity about mechanics, strong communication skills, and at least Junior Cert qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Shillelagh, Carrickmacross
Start Date: September 2026
Why Choose an Apprenticeship with Pilgrim’s Europe? Real Skills. Real Opportunities. Real Impact. Our engineering apprenticeship gives you the chance to earn while you learn, gain a recognised qualification, and build a long-term career in one of Europe’s leading food businesses.
What You’ll Do:
- Join our engineering team to maintain and repair machinery, solve problems, and keep our business running smoothly.
- You’ll learn hands‑on while working towards a Level 3 Engineering qualification.
- Over the course of the programme, you’ll gain skills in areas such as:
- Mechanical and electrical maintenance
- Fault finding and diagnostics
- Health and safety best practices
- Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques
- Teamwork and communication in a professional environment
What We’re Looking For:
- Curiosity about how things work and a practical approach to problem‑solving
- Positive attitude and commitment to learning
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Junior Cert (at least 5D’s achieved) and ideally Leaving Cert
- Must be 18+ by September 2026
What You’ll Get In Return:
- Permanent contract from day one
- Structured training combining classroom and on‑the‑job learning
- Support from your manager, mentor, and experienced engineers
- A recognised Level 3 qualification
- Competitive salary with increases as you progress
- Benefits including pension, employee discounts and more
- Clear career progression opportunities in one of Europe’s leading food companies
What To Expect When You Apply:
- After the closing date, shortlisted candidates complete online numerical and mechanical reasoning tests to assess aptitude for this role and the study required.
- Successful candidates will be invited to an open day on site to have a site tour and meet the engineering team. There will also be an interview and assessment.
Apprentice Engineer- ROI, Apprentice Engineer- ROI employer: Pilgrims Europe
Pilgrim’s Europe offers an exceptional apprenticeship experience in Shillelagh, Carrickmacross, where you can earn while you learn in a supportive environment. With structured training, mentorship from experienced engineers, and clear pathways for career progression, you'll gain valuable skills and a recognised qualification in engineering. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee benefits, and the opportunity to make a real impact in one of Europe's leading food businesses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer- ROI, Apprentice Engineer- ROI
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Pilgrim’s Europe. Understand their values, mission, and what they do. This will help you connect your skills and experiences to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your numerical and mechanical reasoning skills before the tests. There are loads of resources online, so take advantage of them to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your curiosity! During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the role and the team. It shows you’re genuinely interested and eager to learn, which is exactly what they want in an apprentice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’ve got all the info you need right there to help you prepare for the next steps.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer- ROI, Apprentice Engineer- ROI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:Let us see your passion for engineering! In your application, mention any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in how things work. We love candidates who are eager to learn and explore.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, showcasing your skills and enthusiasm.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since teamwork is key in our engineering environment, make sure to include examples of how you've worked well with others. Whether it's in school projects or extracurricular activities, we want to know how you collaborate!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on basic engineering principles and the specific machinery used in the food industry. Familiarise yourself with common maintenance practices and fault-finding techniques. This will show your curiosity and practical approach to problem-solving.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you worked well in a team. Be ready to discuss how you contributed to group projects or solved problems collaboratively. This will highlight your strong communication skills.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the engineering team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect. For instance, ask about the types of projects you'll be involved in or how the training is structured.
✨Stay Positive and Engaged
During the interview, maintain a positive attitude and show enthusiasm for learning. Employers love candidates who are eager to grow and develop their skills. Remember to smile, make eye contact, and engage with your interviewers to leave a lasting impression.