At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our engineering team to maintain machinery and solve problems while earning a qualification.
- Company: Pilgrim's Europe, a leading food business with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, training, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Clear career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Gain real skills and make an impact in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, practical problem-solving, and 6 GCSEs including Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Enniskillen, Dungannon, Craigavon
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
- 6 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English, and Science/Technology at grade 4/C or above
- 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 our assessment centre at South West College (Dungannon) to learn more about the course, the job, and our business and see the facilities where you would study.
- If successful following the assessment centre you will have a site tour and meet the engineering team at your chosen location.
The company Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.
Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day.
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Apprentice Engineer-Northern Ireland TLNT1_NI in Armagh employer: Pilgrims Europe
Pilgrim's Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with structured training in a supportive environment. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits, including pension and discounts, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to producing high-quality food products. Located in Northern Ireland, this apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to build a rewarding career in one of Europe's leading food businesses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer-Northern Ireland TLNT1_NI in Armagh
✨Get Hands-On in the Field
Mechanical engineering is all about practical skills, so dive into local workshops or maker spaces. Attending hands-on events can help you network with professionals who might know about apprenticeship opportunities at companies like Pilgrims Europe.
✨Utilise Engineering Competitions
Join engineering competitions or clubs at your university or in your community. These not only look great on your CV but can also connect you with companies looking to recruit apprentices, including Pilgrims Europe.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying, make sure to hit up your university's career services. They often have connections with firms like Pilgrims Europe who are on the lookout for eager apprentices. Take full advantage of their resources!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, whether for school or personal interest. A well-curated portfolio can impress potential employers like Pilgrims Europe when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer-Northern Ireland TLNT1_NI in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:When applying for a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, highlight any relevant skills or hands-on experience you've got. If you've worked on projects related to design, CAD software, or any hands-on mechanical work, make sure to include that to show you're ready for the practical side of things!
Dive into Your Education:Apprenticeships value your learning potential, so don’t forget to mention your academic achievements, specifically in STEM subjects. Talk about any courses or certifications related to mechanical engineering you've taken and how they inspire you to grow in this field.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:This isn’t just any application—you want to grab attention! In your cover letter, weave in your passion for mechanical engineering. Share why you’re excited about potentially working with Pilgrims Europe and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork & Problem-Solving:Mechanical engineering is all about collaboration and critical thinking. Include examples in your CV or cover letter where you’ve tackled a problem as a team, or solved a challenge in a project. This shows recruiters at Pilgrims Europe that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
As this is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, make sure you highlight any hands-on experience you have. Bring along examples of projects or tasks you've done, whether it's in school or outside. If you've got a portfolio of work or even some photos of your projects, that can really set you apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the specific tools and techniques commonly used in mechanical engineering. Be prepared to discuss software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or simulation tools, as these might come up during technical questions. Understanding of basic engineering principles will also give you a solid foundation to impress your interviewers at Pilgrims Europe.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. So, be ready to articulate why you want to pursue this path at Pilgrims Europe. Share any relevant coursework or experiences that piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot
You may face some situational or problem-solving questions during your interview, especially practical ones that mimic real-world engineering challenges. Practise how you'd approach such problems – think through your reasoning and how you would apply your knowledge practically. This shows you can think on your feet, which is key in mechanical engineering!
