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 dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Earn while you learn and build a long-term career in engineering.
- Qualifications: Curiosity about mechanics, 6 GCSEs including Maths and English, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 25000 £ 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.
- Learn hands-on while working towards a Level 3 Engineering qualification.
- 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 JBLE1_NI in Craigavon 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 clear path for career progression, apprentices will gain valuable skills while contributing to one of Europe's leading food businesses in the vibrant locations of Enniskillen, Dungannon, and Craigavon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer-Northern Ireland JBLE1_NI in Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Pilgrim's Europe and understand their values, products, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your assessment centre, try out some online numerical and mechanical reasoning tests. Familiarising yourself with the types of questions you'll face can boost your confidence and performance on the day.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! During group activities at the assessment centre, be sure to communicate effectively and collaborate with others. Employers love to see candidates who can work well in a team, especially in a hands-on environment like engineering.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your assessment, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can leave a lasting impression and keep you on their radar as they make their decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer-Northern Ireland JBLE1_NI in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:When you're writing your application, let us see your curiosity about how things work! Share any experiences or projects that highlight your practical problem-solving skills. We love to see candidates who are eager to learn and grow.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:Teamwork is key in our engineering environment. Make sure to mention any group projects or team activities you've been involved in. This will show us that you can communicate effectively and collaborate with others.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in complicated wording!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our careers page! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Pilgrim's Europe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of mechanical and electrical maintenance. Brush up on fault finding and diagnostics, as these are key skills for the role. Familiarise yourself with health and safety best practices too, as they’ll likely come up during your chat.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your curiosity about how things work by asking insightful questions during the interview. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn. Think about what you want to know regarding the apprenticeship and the engineering team’s day-to-day tasks.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your communication skills and any experiences where you’ve collaborated to solve problems or improve processes.
✨Positive Attitude is Key
Approach the interview with a positive attitude and a commitment to learning. Employers love candidates who are enthusiastic and willing to grow. Make sure to convey your eagerness to take on challenges and develop your skills throughout the apprenticeship.
