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 enjoyed by millions.
- 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 required.
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 JBLE1_NI in Craigavon 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 JBLE1_NI in Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Pilgrim's Europe, their products, and their values. 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
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to food manufacturing and technical roles. Think about how your skills align with what they’re looking for, especially in areas like attention to detail and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Pilgrim's Europe and starting your career in Supply Chain Assurance.
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Technician Apprentice JBLE1_NI in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for food manufacturing shine through! We want to see that genuine interest in the industry and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we're looking for, especially in communication and teamwork. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
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. Click that Apply button and start your journey with us at Pilgrim's Europe!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
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 role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, ask insightful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company’s approach to food safety and quality. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and engage with the team, which is a big plus for any employer.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Be ready to discuss your communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Use specific examples from your past experiences, whether in school projects or part-time jobs, to illustrate how these skills will benefit the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as reviewing supplier specifications or participating in audits. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these tasks, showcasing your problem-solving skills and practical understanding of the industry.
