At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our engineering team to maintain and repair machinery while earning a qualification.
- Company: Pilgrim's Europe, a leading food business with real opportunities.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, and employee discounts from day one.
- Other info: Structured training with clear career progression in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Curiosity about engineering, strong communication skills, and GCSEs in Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Ashbourne
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.
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
- Maths and English GCSEs (or equivalent) 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 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.
Apprentice Engineer-Ashbourne in Derby employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic apprenticeship programme in Ashbourne that combines hands-on experience with structured training. Our supportive work culture fosters teamwork and communication, while our commitment to employee growth ensures you have clear career progression opportunities within one of Europe's leading food businesses. With competitive salaries, benefits, and a focus on real skills and impact, this is the perfect place to kickstart your engineering career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer-Ashbourne in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Pilgrim's Europe and understand their values 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. This will boost your confidence and help you perform better when it counts.
✨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 seeing how well you can work with a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to learn and grow with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer-Ashbourne in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:Let us see your passion for engineering! In your application, mention any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in how things work. We love candidates who are eager to learn and explore.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since teamwork is key in our engineering environment, make sure to share examples of how you've worked well with others. Whether it's in school projects or part-time jobs, we want to know how you collaborate!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—just like we do in engineering!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
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 areas for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest in the apprenticeship.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your curiosity about how things work during the interview. Prepare some questions about the machinery you'll be working with or the processes used in the engineering team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your proactive approach to learning.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since teamwork and communication are crucial in this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team. Be ready to share how you contributed to group projects or solved problems collaboratively.
✨Stay Positive and Engaged
A positive attitude can set you apart from other candidates. During the interview, maintain eye contact, smile, and engage with the interviewer. Show that you're committed to learning and growing within the company, and they'll see you as a valuable addition to their team.
