Engineering Apprentice in Coleford

Who We Are

We are Suntory, a global leader in the beverage industry with a heritage that dates back to 1899 in Osaka, Japan. Today, we operate across more than 265 group companies worldwide, employing over 40,000 people. Our portfolio spans soft drinks, spirits, beer, wine, ready-to-drink beverages, and wellness products, combining tradition with innovation to deliver exceptional quality. We produce iconic products like Lucozade and Ribena. Our advanced automated equipment manufactures 650 million bottles annually. We are driven by our philosophy, “Bringing Water to Life,” which reflects our deep respect for nature and our commitment to sustainability. We strive to enrich lives and create harmony with people and nature through everything we do.

About your role

You are ambitious and curious. You have a keen interest in engineering, always been a problem solver and are looking to embark on a dynamic career journey. You want to learn, innovate, and build a solid foundation in engineering in a company renowned in the drinks industry. You want to find a company where you can unleash your potential and be part of a world-class manufacturing site.

What You'll Do

As an engineer, you'll directly impact product quality and availability. Start your journey at our training provider in Hereford where you will be studying towards a Level 3 Mechatronics Apprenticeship qualification, before joining our Coleford Factory in Gloucestershire where you will learn from experienced maintenance engineers. Your apprenticeship journey will be structured as follows:

• Year 1: 5 days/week in at the HWGTA training centre during term-time with additional training days on-site in Coleford throughout the year. This also includes a week residential at an outdoor education centre.
• Year 2: 1 day at HWGTA, 4 days on site each week.
• Year 3 & 4: Full-time on site.

In this job, you will learn the skills and techniques to be able to:

• Participate in classroom learning at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association (based in Hereford).
• Engage in hands-on practical sessions to support maintenance troubleshooting and fault finding.
• Collaborate with classmates & colleagues on projects and assignments that relate to real-life Engineering challenges and solutions.
• Complete coursework and assessments in a timely manner, as required to achieve relevant vocational qualifications.

On the job-based learning activities

• Working at our factory in Coleford you will plan and prepare for maintenance work – including maintenance and repair of production machinery and site services.
• Conduct planned maintenance, including testing, fault finding, repairing and manufacturing or replacing component parts.
• Conduct predictive maintenance and respond to breakdowns.
• Conduct reactive maintenance and perform corrective actions.
• Understand the basics of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and integration into fault finding.
• Lead and support operational teams with machinery changeovers, setups.
• Maintain engineering documentation.
• Ensure the availability and performance of equipment.
• Contribute to internal and external audits.
• Adhere to workplace health & safety regulations ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and colleagues.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Grade: B / 6 or above in Maths and Grade C / 5 or above in English - + 3 additional GCSEs at grade C/5 or above - Design Technology, Engineering or Science GCSE subjects would also be preferred.
• You must be able to travel to the training centre in Hereford and to our site in Coleford at your own cost independently with your own transportation.
• Strong communication skills, enjoying both individual and team work, and building strong relationships at all levels of the organisation.
• Enthusiasm and interest in Engineering and problem-solving.
• Taking responsibility for yourself and your work and has an excellent attitude to Health and Safety, food safety and environmental considerations.
• You are curious, eager to learn, and dedicated to your professional growth.

What Happens When I Finish My Apprenticeship

Once you have completed your Apprenticeship standard, subject to vacancies at the time, there will be an opportunity to apply for further employment.

What Makes Life at Suntory Brilliant

At Suntory, we understand the importance of looking after our people. We don’t believe in a one size fits all so we provide a variety of benefits in addition to salaries:

• Bonus Plan of 6% based on your personal performance and our business performance.
• Regular salary and pay increases as you develop through your apprenticeship.
• Personal development with our own online Suntory University which gives you free access to learning, on-the-job coaching, more formal training.
• 26 days, increasing to 27 days after five years' and 28 days after 10 years' service. This is in addition to paid public holidays.
• Competitive pension plan. All employees will be enrolled into the Suntory UK Group Personal Pension Plan at a default employee contribution rate of 2% and company contribution of 5%. Suntory’s max contribution is 10% if the employee contribution is 5%.
• Private medical assurance.
• Cycle to work which is an affordable way to get your new commuting gear.
• Discounted staff shop.
• Recognition scheme.
• Benefit hub (discounts).
• For Coleford based employees there is an onsite gym which offers subsidised membership.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognise that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic. Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavour to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.