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- Tasks: Join us as an Automation & Digital Systems Trainee, solving problems and improving processes daily.
- Company: HEINEKEN UK is a leading name in the pub, cider, and beer industry with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to £30,000 salary, annual bonus, 35 days holiday, and a monthly case of ciders and beers!
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in automation while contributing to sustainability goals in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have a degree in computer science and knowledge of data management tools like SQL.
- Other info: This is an 18-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth and networking.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 24000 £ per year.
Automation & Digital Systems Trainee
Function: Supply Chain
Location: Hereford
Salary: up to £30,000 per annum with benefits listed below!
Contract: 18 month Fixed Term Contract
Shift pattern: N/A
Closing Date: 21st October 2025.
Please note: We may close vacancies early where we receive a high number of applications, so don’t delay!
Who we are
As the UK’s leading beer, cider and pub business, we’re home to some of the world’s best-loved beers and ciders, and a leading player in the international drinks industry.
We\’re the name behind a host of brilliant brands, from Inch’s to Birra Moretti and many more. And with around 2,400 pubs to our name in the UK, our Star Pubs business is all about putting pubs at the centre of community life.
But we’re more than just great beers and ciders – we’re a place where passion meets purpose, careers are crafted as carefully as our brews, and enjoyment of life is part of the job.
About the role
As an Automation & Digital Systems Trainee, this is an exciting opportunity to build and apply your automation and computer engineering skills by delivering innovative solutions to support our cidery operations. You’ll report to the Site Automation & Electrical Engineer and work closely with the automation team to support daily activities.
The role involves hands-on problem solving, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of site processes. You\’ll be supported throughout, as we work together to ensure the site runs efficiently, sustainably, and in line with lean principles.
If you\’re looking for a strong development opportunity and a first step into the industry, here\’s what your time with us could look like:
- Learning about our site’s automation infrastructure and condition-based monitoring techniques to further support our Technicians, Maintenance Development Engineers on the shopfloor.
- Gaining a wide variety of exposure to systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems(MES), Middleware, PLC, SCADA, Brewmaxx, Networks and Virtual LANS.
- Utilise SQL code by writing & improving queries for full data comprehension and organisation.
- Providing support in the full lifecycle of sitewide Automation, Network infrastructure, Digital Systems & Data capture.
- Developing & maintaining systems to enhance overall data availability, visibility, capture and accessibility for real time data visibility across the site.
- Collaborating with our Digital & Technology (D&T) teams and onsite digital engineer to support on industry 4.0 initiatives.
- Working in a continuous improvement environment to foster a sustainable and operational performing site.
What’s in it for you?
This is a brilliant opportunity for you to gain practical experience with various professionals in automation, digital & manufacturing fields whilst also putting your own theoretical skills acquired from your studies to the test.
Our colleagues are primed to help support you throughout your journey with us, providing you with the tools and knowledge to help you succeed with your work. In return, not only will you receive several ways to learn and develop within the field of automation & digital engineering, but you’ll also be able to contribute to our site’s environmental & sustainability goals and be part of real change within the site.
You’ll be able to network through various members of our colleagues on site and across our other sites, enabling you to build a holistic understanding of automation engineering within FMCG and to flex your digital development.
About the team
Helping millions of consumers enjoy our beers and ciders is a real team effort. As a Supply Chain colleague, you’ll be part of the biggest function in HEINEKEN UK!
From barley to bar, our Supply Chain produces high-quality beers and ciders, prioritising safety, sustainability and innovation to keep our operations running smoothly.
You’ll be based in the Automation & Electrical Engineering team, whose job is to monitor the Site’s production infrastructure which effectively control the utilities, cider production and packaging lines, by ensuring the site runs efficiently, assets are reliable and well maintained.
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking an individual with a strong drive to learn and thrives in the unknown! Whilst we don’t expect you to have experience, we would expect theoretical and some project experience within computing/computer science and foundational knowledge of software-hardware integration or data science/analytic principles.
As well as the above, the ideal candidate will have:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or equivalent
- Utilisation of data management tools such as SQL
- Exposure & Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts and digital technologies
- Ability to problem solve and think analytically
- Collaborating within a team environment and various stakeholders- this is key to be able to provide ideas, solutions and identify challenges to overcome as a team.
Why join us?
We\’re all about brewing the Joy of True Togetherness, and that starts with our people.
We believe in bringing everyone together, making sure you feel supported, valued, and included from day one – because every one of our colleagues has a role to play in shaping the future of beer, cider, pubs and beyond.
It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re pioneering in low and no alcohol products, continuing to wow the world with creative marketing campaigns, investing into pubs and brewing a better world for people and the planet.
We\’re a place where you can build a meaningful career, with plenty of opportunities for continuous learning and development.
Our benefits
Here’s a flavour of what we offer:
- Annual bonus
- Double-matched pension (up to 10%)
- 32 days’ holiday, plus three listed public holidays
- Life assurance (subject to policy terms).
- Optional Private Medical Insurance – comprehensive cover for you and your family.
- Free ciders and beers (including low and zero alcohol options).
- Retail discounts.
- Wellbeing support, including Mental health champions, free Counselling, access to Colleague Networks.
- Comprehensive opportunities to develop.
- Option to join our Colleague Networks to connect, share and build inclusion.
The application
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply before the closing date listed above.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
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Automation & Digital Systems Trainee employer: The HEINEKEN Company
Contact Detail:
The HEINEKEN Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation & Digital Systems Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Industry 4.0 concepts and digital technologies. Understanding these will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company's direction.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automation and digital engineering fields. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with people who work in similar roles, as they can provide insights and potentially refer you.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your SQL skills. Since the role involves utilising SQL for data management, being able to demonstrate your proficiency in writing and improving queries can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss hands-on problem-solving experiences. Think of examples from your studies or projects where you successfully tackled challenges, as this aligns well with the role's focus on troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation & Digital Systems Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences related to automation, digital systems, and problem-solving. Emphasise any projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts and data management tools like SQL.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of HEINEKEN UK that attract you, such as their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the cider and beer industry.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in team settings. Highlight any group projects or experiences where you contributed ideas and solutions to overcome challenges.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of automation and digital systems.
How to prepare for a job interview at The HEINEKEN Company
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with terms like MES, PLC, and Industry 4.0 concepts, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your studies or previous experiences where you've successfully solved problems or improved processes. This is crucial for a role that involves troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role requires working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated in team settings. Highlight any group projects or teamwork experiences that showcase your ability to communicate and work effectively with others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's automation infrastructure and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
