Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - Ashford

Job Details

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Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - Ashford

The Interview Selection Centre will be held in June 2025. You will need to be available to attend if successfully selected for interview. 

We are excited to offer three 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.

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
•  ShareSave scheme
•  Cycle to Work scheme
•  Employee assistance programme
•  BOOST – our Apprentice Skills Development Network 

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.

About Premier Foods

As one of Britain’s biggest listed food companies we’re committed to the UK, employing over 4,000 dedicated colleagues at 15 manufacturing sites and offices up and down the country. Around 96% of what we sell is made in the UK from quality ingredients, wherever we can source sustainably from British suppliers and farmers.

We operate primarily in the ambient food sector which continues to be the largest sector within the total UK grocery market. Our Grocery business is responsible for developing our portfolio of brands in four key categories: Flavourings & Seasonings; Cooking Sauces & Accompaniments; Quick Meals, Snacks & Soups and Ambient Desserts. Our Sweet Treats business is responsible for growing our brands in the Ambient Cakes category. Our much-loved brands include Mr Kipling, Cadbury, Bisto, Batchelors, Ambrosia, Sharwood’s, Oxo, Lloyd Grossman, Homepride and McDougall’s, with some supported by our strategic partnerships with Mondelez and Nissin.

In addition, the Group has a portfolio of other branded food products and a non-branded food business which manufactures products, such as cakes and desserts, on behalf of many of the UK’s food retailers.  

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.