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- Tasks: Join our engineering team to create delicious custard and rice pudding while learning essential skills.
- Company: Premier Foods, a leader in food manufacturing with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, employee discounts, and five weeks holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to supporting all employees and their unique journeys.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, Science, and English.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 23809 £ per year.
Based in Lifton, Devon, PL16 0BB
Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Qualification
1st year salary: £23,809 per annum
5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays
The Interview Selection Centre will be held in July 2026. You will need to be available to attend if successfully selected for interview.
We are looking for two Apprentice Engineers to join our highly skilled and experienced production engineering team here in Lifton, Devon, where we create Britain's favourite custard and rice pudding.
If you are looking to embark on an engineering career and think we could be a place you'd like to build that career in, then read on...
Food engineering is a multidisciplinary field encompassing all the skills needed in a contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry. Our facility needs all these skills now given our current modern, highly technological plant and even more so in the future as we invest further in new automated systems, plant and equipment.
As a member of the Ambrosia Team, you will experience a friendly supportive environment working alongside colleagues who are experts in their field and benefit from being part of a larger group, Premier Foods.
Working in partnership with City College Plymouth, we are offering a 4-year apprenticeship programme leading to a Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician qualification, along with any additional qualifications required to support your chosen bias as the programme progresses.
You will develop engineering skills to a high standard by following a structured apprenticeship pathway, supporting your journey to becoming one of our multi-skilled shift engineers. And when you successfully complete your programme, we will support you to develop your skills further and work towards higher qualifications.
What you'll be doing:
- The first term of the first year of your apprenticeship will be spent at college then moving to two days per week for the remainder of year 1. For the other days and during the holidays, you will be required to attend site to apply what you have been learning at college into practice.
- For years two and three of your apprenticeship, you will be on day release at the college and then working on site alongside experienced engineers who will support and mentor you, building capability and problem-solving techniques to confidently evaluate and implement solutions.
- Year four of your apprenticeship will see you go on shift working with a specific team of engineers, working a shift pattern that may include working day and night shifts.
- Once you have completed your apprenticeship to the required standard, you will become a qualified multiskilled engineer.
What we need from you:
- A minimum of 4 GCSE's (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, Science and English.
- A real interest in engineering and technology.
- Drive, enthusiasm and commitment to learning new skills, seeking opportunities for personal development and passing on knowledge to others.
- The ability to communicate effectively and engage positively and proactively with colleagues across the site and group.
- Willingness to work shifts including days, nights and weekends.
What we can offer you:
- A competitive salary that rises each year, aligned with successful completion of each academic year.
- Contributory Company pension scheme with life assurance.
- Five weeks equivalent holiday plus bank holidays.
- A range of benefits including an employee discount scheme, company shop and onsite subsidised canteen.
- ShareSave scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Apprentice Network Skills Development Programme - BOOST.
Closing date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
At Premier Foods, we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
Apprentice Engineer in Exeter employer: Premier Foods
Contact Detail:
Premier Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Premier Foods and their products, especially the custard and rice pudding. This will help you connect during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member. Focus on common questions for engineering apprenticeships and be ready to discuss your passion for technology and problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or past apprentices if you can. They can provide insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ambrosia Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let us see your enthusiasm for engineering and technology in your application. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest, especially if they relate to food engineering or automation!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to know how you meet our requirements and why you're a great fit for the Apprentice Engineer role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations.
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 do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your engineering fundamentals, especially in mechatronics. Be ready to discuss basic concepts and how they apply to real-world scenarios, like those you might encounter at the production facility.
✨Show Your Passion for Food Engineering
Express your enthusiasm for food engineering and the products being made, like custard and rice pudding. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest in this field.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand the company culture and expectations better.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and engage positively with others, as these skills are crucial in a collaborative environment.