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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and apply engineering skills in a hands-on environment while working with experienced professionals.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, makers of beloved brands like Angel Delight and Paxo.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 5 weeks holiday, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with a structured apprenticeship and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, Science, and English.
- Other info: Access to ongoing training and development opportunities throughout your career.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 26500 £ per year.
We are excited to offer four new apprenticeship opportunities at our Premier Foods site in Ashford, Kent (TN24 0LU) where we proudly produce some of Britain's best-loved brands like Angel Delight, Batchelor's, and Paxo.
If you're curious about how things work, enjoy problem-solving, and want to build a career in engineering, this could be the start of a fantastic journey for you.
What is Mechatronics?
Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field combining mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computing systems. It's the backbone of today's modern manufacturing processes. Our Ashford site is home to highly automated, fast-paced production lines, and we're continually investing in new technologies and equipment - making it the perfect place to learn.
About the Apprenticeship
In partnership with IPS International, we are offering a 4-year apprenticeship programme that leads to a Level 3 Engineering Technician (Mechatronics) qualification and on to a level 4 Higher National Certificate in engineering. You will gain hands-on experience alongside highly skilled engineers and follow a well-established development pathway as you grow into a multi-skilled shift engineer. We'll support you all the way - and once qualified, we'll continue investing in your future through further training and development opportunities.
Please note: Training will take place at IPS International in Rochester. Apprentices will need to travel there regularly. As such, having access to reliable transport is essential, and a full UK driver's licence is desirable.
What You'll Be Doing
- Year 1: You'll spend your first year full-time at college in Rochester, learning essential theory. During holidays, you'll come onsite to start applying what you've learned.
- Years 2 & 3: You'll be based on site in Ashford, working closely with experienced engineers who will mentor and guide you in developing technical and problem-solving skills.
- Year 4: You'll join one of our shift teams, rotating through day and night shifts as you take on more responsibility and continue your on-the-job learning. By the end of the programme, you'll be a fully qualified, multi-skilled engineer with a strong foundation for career progression.
What We Need From You
- A minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 / C or above, including Maths, Science and English
- A genuine interest in engineering and technology (and a love of food doesn't hurt!)
- Drive and enthusiasm to learn, grow, and pass on your knowledge
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others
- A willingness to work shifts, including days, nights, and weekends
- Reliable access to transport for travel to and from the training centre in Rochester (a UK driver's licence is desirable)
What We Offer You
- A competitive salary, increasing each year based on successful academic and practical progress
- Company pension scheme with life assurance
- 5 weeks' holiday + bank holidays
- Access to a range of employee benefits, including:
- Staff discount scheme
- Onsite subsidised canteen
- Company shop
- Share Save scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- BOOST - our Apprentice Skills Development Network
The Interview Selection Centre will be held in June 2026. You will need to be available to attend if successfully selected for interview.
The Next Step...
If you're ready to take your first step into a career in engineering and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference every day, click apply via our website and upload your CV.
Apprentice Engineer employer: Premier Foods
Contact Detail:
Premier Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Premier Foods and their products like Angel Delight and Paxo. This will help you connect your passion for engineering with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since this apprenticeship is all about Mechatronics, brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to tackle some engineering challenges in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! Let them know why you’re excited about engineering and how you can contribute to their team. A genuine interest can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Premier Foods family.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in mechatronics. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the field.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Apprentice Engineer role. Highlight your GCSEs, especially in Maths, Science, and English, and any skills or experiences that relate to engineering. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Premier Foods in Ashford.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Know Your Mechatronics
Make sure you brush up on the basics of mechatronics before your interview. Understand how mechanical, electrical, and computing systems work together. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled problems or challenges. Whether it's a school project or a personal endeavour, being able to articulate your thought process and solutions will demonstrate your analytical skills, which are crucial for an engineering role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key in engineering. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. During the interview, be clear and concise in your responses, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need clarification on something.
✨Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for engineering shine through! Talk about what excites you about the field and why you want to join Premier Foods. Showing enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and make a lasting impression.
