At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Supply Chain Assurance team and gain hands-on experience in food manufacturing.
- Company: Pilgrim's Europe, a leading food business with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a recognised qualification and real-world experience.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to producing high-quality food.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a supportive environment with strong progression 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
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 TLNT1_NI in Armagh employer: Pilgrims Europe
Pilgrim's Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Food & Drink Manufacture while working in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will receive hands-on experience across various technical functions, paving the way for a rewarding career in the food industry. Join a leading company that values curiosity, determination, and teamwork, and be part of a passionate team dedicated to producing high-quality food enjoyed by millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specification Technician Apprentice TLNT1_NI in Armagh
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Dive into some local food tech workshops or culinary fairs where you can interact with professionals in the food science and technology sector. These events often attract employers looking for fresh talent, so don’t be shy about striking up conversations and making connections!
✨Join Food Tech Communities
Engage with online forums and communities dedicated to food science and technology. Places like Reddit or specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for apprenticeship leads, insider info, and networking opportunities. You'll also find others on the same journey who can share their experiences.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Consider starting a blog or social media profile dedicated to food science. Showcase any projects, experiments, or recipes that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for the field. It’s a fantastic way to catch the eye of potential employers like Pilgrims Europe!
✨Apply Early and Often
With apprenticeships, timing can be crucial! Many companies, including Pilgrims Europe, may have specific windows for applications. Stay ahead of the game by checking their websites and applying as soon as you see an opening. Don't hesitate to reach out directly to express your interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Technician Apprentice TLNT1_NI in Armagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off Your Food Science Knowledge:When you’re drafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or projects in food science and technology. If you've got a particular interest in areas like food safety, nutrition, or product development, mention them! This helps demonstrate your passion and readiness for this apprenticeship.
Highlight Practical Experience:If you've had any hands-on experience, like working in a lab or a food-related setting, include that! Mention specific techniques or technologies you’ve used. Even if it's just a school project, showing that you can apply your knowledge in a practical context can really make you stand out to Pilgrims Europe.
References from Industry Professionals:If you’ve had a mentor or teacher in the food science field, consider asking them for a reference. A personal touch can go a long way in the apprenticeship process. It shows that others believe in your potential, and it gives Pilgrims Europe more insight into your skills and capabilities.
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, don't just say why you want the apprenticeship—be specific about what you hope to learn and achieve with Pilgrims Europe. Maybe there's a particular project or area of research they’re known for. Mentioning it shows that you’ve done your homework and you really want to be part of their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Science
Let's be real – get ready to express your excitement for food science and technology! Talk about any relevant coursework, projects, or even personal experiments you’ve done. Remember, they're looking for someone who's genuinely keen on the field, not just ticking boxes.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
You can bet they'll throw in some scenario-based questions related to food safety or product development. Brush up on your understanding of processes like pasteurisation or shelf-life testing, and think through how you would approach solving a hypothetical problem. Show them you can think on your feet!
✨Bring Your Notebook of Experiences
As an apprentice, your past might not be extensive, but that’s totally fine! Bring along a notebook or portfolio, even if it’s just a collection of your experiences, such as any food labs you took part in, or cooking trials, and how they relate to real-world applications. It’ll help you stand out.
✨Get Familiar with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest food science trends—like plant-based alternatives or sustainability innovations. Being able to chat about current issues and express your views on them will show that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely invested in the future of food technology!
