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- Tasks: Join our assembly team and build innovative machines while learning hands-on skills.
- Company: JCB, a leader in engineering with award-winning Early Careers schemes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days' holiday, private medical options, gym access, and discounts at retailers.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in engineering with real impact and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 2 GCSEs including Maths and English at D/3 or above.
- Other info: Participate in outdoor development programmes and network through our 'NextGen' society.
The predicted salary is between 13600 - 18400 £ per year.
Salary: Circa £16,000
Contract Type: Full Time
Working Pattern: Permanent
Hours: 39.0
THE OPPORTUNITY - LEVEL 2 ENGINEERING OPERATIVE (ASSEMBLY) APPRENTICESHIP
Start Date: September 2026, typically for 18 months
STARTING SALARY: Circa £16,000
MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA: You'll need 2 GCSE's including Maths and English at D/3 or above.
Unfortunately, JCB is unable to offer visa sponsorship or immigration support for its Early Careers Schemes, either now or in the future. This includes individuals currently on sponsored visas.
THIS WILL BE SUITED TO YOU IF...
You're looking for a hands-on role which will grow into a career that’ll allow you to make your mark in a field you’re committed to. We need you to be a team player to get the most out of this opportunity.
WHAT DOES THE ASSEMBLY APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME INVOLVE DAY TO DAY?
Over 18 months, you'll be based on the production line building our machines using a Standard Operating Procedure. You'll be a key player in the processes that make us more efficient and smarter. We collect data, monitor process equipment, and show where errors are occurring—and we do it using a working methodology called Kaizen, which is all about how small changes can have a massive impact. Learning this stuff is truly exciting because it’s about how we’ll future proof our manufacturing activity.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
We’ll be reviewing applications against the essential criteria then shortlisting and sending out links to our online assessments in November to January 2026 (we’d recommend you keep a look out for emails at this point as you’ll hear from us either way). Once you’ve fully completed your online assessment, we’ll review it and provide you with an update within a few weeks. Please note, if you’ve not completed your online assessment then we won’t take your application further (we’ll send you a few reminders to make sure you don’t forget). If you’ve been progressed, you’ll be sent an invite to attend one of our in-person Assessment Centres. In-person Assessment Centres will take place from January to April 2026 (we’ll send you all the details you need). Following your Assessment Centre, whether you’ve been successful or not, our promise to you is that you’ll receive a call with feedback. If successful, congratulations! We’ll now take you through the onboarding process, which will include a familiarisation day. Welcome to JCB – our Early Careers cohorts ordinarily start in early September.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
This is your chance to join a company that’s not only picking up awards for its Early Careers schemes but also opens up opportunities for the long term. On a JCB Early Careers Scheme you’ll join a company that’s known for developing its people, and somewhere that offers a career for life. As standard, you’ll get 33 days’ holiday, and access to our stakeholder pension scheme, you can also opt into our Private Medical scheme with Bupa. Not only that, but you’ll also benefit from access to our onsite gym, in-house doctor and dentist. There’s also a JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts at many high street fashion and food retailers. And if you feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme. As part of your scheme, you’ll be involved in a professional outdoor development programme in the Lake District. We also encourage our cohorts to network and get involved in our "NextGen" society.
WE VALUE DIVERSITY AND WELCOME APPLICATIONS FROM CANDIDATES FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS.
We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Resourcing team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format.
Assembly Apprenticeship employer: TargetJobs UK
Contact Detail:
TargetJobs UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assembly Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research JCB and understand their values, products, and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the online assessments by familiarising yourself with the types of questions you might face. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t hesitate to use them to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during the Assessment Centre! They want to see the real you, so let your personality shine through. Show your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the team dynamic.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Assembly Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Assembly Apprenticeship. Mention any relevant projects or teamwork experiences that showcase your hands-on abilities.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Spelling mistakes or missing information can make a bad impression. We want to see that you’ve put in the effort!
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, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of assembly and engineering principles. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'Standard Operating Procedure' and 'Kaizen'. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial for this apprenticeship, think of examples from your past experiences where you've worked well in a team. Be ready to discuss how you contributed to group success and how you can bring that same energy to JCB.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship and the company culture. This could be about the training process or how they implement Kaizen in their daily operations. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn more about the opportunity.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! Be honest about your skills and experiences, and don’t be afraid to share your passion for engineering. JCB values diversity and wants to see the real you, so let your personality shine through during the interview.
