At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to learn about raw materials, supply assurance, and product specifications.
- Company: Pilgrim's Europe, a leading food business with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a recognised qualification and real-world experience.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong career progression pathways.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in food manufacturing with hands-on training and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 2 A-Levels and 3 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 € per year.
We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Technical Apprentice to join our Supply Chain Assurance team at Pilgrim's Europe. This is a 3-year Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Food & Drink Manufacture (delivered through CAFRE – Loughry Campus), combining hands-on experience with academic learning. You'll gain broad, practical exposure across multiple technical functions, building the skills and knowledge needed to progress into a technical career within the business. By the end of the programme, you'll be well-prepared to move into a permanent role in areas such as Supply Chain Assurance, Raw Materials or Product Specifications.
What You'll Be Doing
- Year 1 – Raw Materials
- Learn about customer and legal requirements for raw materials
- Review supplier ingredient specifications using internal systems (Smile)
- Work with suppliers to gather and validate information
- Analyse data and support compliance processes
- Year 2 – Supply Assurance
- Support supplier approval processes and maintain documentation
- Use systems such as Foods Connected and Smile
- Participate in supplier audits and site visits
- Assist with supplier performance monitoring and reporting
- Year 3 – Product Specifications
- Review and update product specifications
- Progress to creating full specifications for customers
- Review and approve packaging artwork
- Support final product compliance and accuracy
Development & Secondments
- Complete short placements across the business, including:
- Microbiology lab
- Factory operations
- New Product Development (NPD)
- Support wider team activities and gain exposure to different technical areas
Apprenticeship Programme
- Complete the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Food & Drink Manufacture
- Attend all teaching weeks at CAFRE (Loughry)
- Complete coursework and assignments on time
What Success Looks Like
- Strong performance across all placements
- Successful completion of apprenticeship exams and coursework
- Clear development of technical understanding and practical skills
- Readiness to step into a permanent technical role
What We're Looking For
- Essential
- Meet entry requirements for the Level 5 HLA: 2 A-Levels (or equivalent)
- Minimum 3 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) including English, Maths and a Science subject
- A genuine interest in food manufacturing and the food industry
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated, organised and proactive
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Desirable
- Previous work experience, particularly in manufacturing or food environments
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel to different sites
Values & Behaviours
Demonstrates ownership, curiosity and determination, with a practical and collaborative approach to learning and delivering results.
Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?
- Gain a recognised qualification while earning and learning
- Build real-world experience across multiple technical functions
- Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment
- Develop skills that lead to long-term career opportunities
- Be part of a leading food business with strong career progression pathways
Ready to Start Your Career?
If you're motivated to learn, curious about food manufacturing and ready to build a career in technical roles, this is a fantastic opportunity to get started. Apply now and begin your journey with Pilgrim's Europe as a Technical Apprentice in Supply Chain Assurance.
Specification Technician Apprentice in Armagh employer: Pilgrims Europe
Pilgrim's Europe is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to kickstart their careers in the food manufacturing industry. With a robust apprenticeship programme, employees benefit from hands-on experience, academic learning, and exposure to various technical functions, all within a supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. Located in Craigavon, this role not only provides a pathway to a recognised qualification but also fosters long-term career opportunities in a leading food business known for its commitment to employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specification Technician Apprentice in Armagh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work at Pilgrim's Europe. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to technical roles. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food manufacturing! During interviews, share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest and skills in the field. It’s all about making a memorable impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Technician Apprentice in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Manufacturing:Make sure to express your genuine interest in food manufacturing and the food industry in your application. We want to see that you're excited about this field and ready to dive into the technical aspects of it!
Highlight Relevant Skills:When filling out your application, don’t forget to showcase your strong communication and interpersonal skills. We’re looking for self-motivated and organised individuals, so let us know how you fit the bill!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role. Make sure your application is free from typos and clearly structured. We appreciate a well-organised application that reflects your ability to pay attention to the finer points.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take the first step in your career!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of food manufacturing and supply chain assurance. Brush up on key terms and concepts related to raw materials, product specifications, and compliance processes. This will show your genuine interest in the industry and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills. Think of situations where you've worked independently or as part of a team, especially in any previous roles or projects. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your readiness for the apprenticeship.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, the team you'll be working with, and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. Show your curiosity and determination, and express why you're passionate about food manufacturing. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates and leave a lasting impression.
