Apprentice Multi-Skilled Engineer
You'll be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation, maintenance and repair of production equipment/ machinery across the site. The role involves troubleshooting, diagnosing faults, carrying out planned and reactive maintenance and improving equipment performance to maximise production efficiency, safety and product quality.
Role
Preventative and Reactive Maintenance:
- Perform routine preventative maintenance on all production machinery, including mechanical, electrical, and PLC-controlled systems
- Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and emergencies, performing diagnosis, repairs, and troubleshooting to restore machinery to optimal function
Equipment Installation and Upgrades:
- Oversee the installation, commissioning, and upgrading of new equipment and machinery as required
- Work closely with suppliers and contractors during equipment installation and ensure integration into existing systems
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics:
- Use diagnostic tools and techniques to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and automation issues on machinery
- Identify, diagnose, and rectify mechanical and electrical faults in production equipment, ensuring minimal downtime
Health and Safety Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and food safety regulations during maintenance and repair activities
- Follow safety protocols while working with machinery, electrical systems, and hazardous materials
- Assist in conducting risk assessments and hazard analysis related to engineering processes
Continuous Improvement:
- Work with production teams to identify areas for improvement in equipment efficiency, reliability, and product quality
- Implement modifications or improvements to machinery and processes to optimise performance and reduce costs
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed maintenance logs, documenting work completed, parts used, and any issues encountered during repairs or maintenance tasks
- Create and update maintenance schedules to ensure all equipment is regularly serviced and maintained
Team Collaboration:
- Collaborate with production teams to minimise downtime and improve machine reliability
- Provide training and guidance to operators and junior engineers on machinery operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Parts and Inventory Management:
- Monitor and manage inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies needed for routine maintenance and repairs
- Place orders for replacement parts and ensure stock levels are adequate
Project Support:
- Assist with project-based engineering tasks, including upgrading facilities or equipment, process improvements, and facility expansions
- Work with cross-functional teams to implement new production lines or technologies
Training
You will study a Level 3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship Standard at Kirklees College, Huddersfield.
The college element of this Apprenticeship is delivered by “block release”.
The typical duration of college attendance in previous years is shown below.
Year 1 = 22 weeks, Year 2 = 10 weeks, Year 3 = 10 weeks, Year 4 = 4 weeks.
This is a 4-year programme.
The final year will involve completion of a portfolio and preparation for End Point Assessment (EPA). This measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the standard and is carried out by ESFA approved organisations independent from the college.
There is a strong possibility that you will gain a permanent position following successful achievement of the full apprenticeship qualification.
There may also be further apprenticeship/other training available following successful employment and achievement of the apprenticeship qualifications.
- Apprenticeship Standard
- Food and drink maintenance engineer (level 3)
- Training Provider
- KIRKLEES COLLEGE
- Working Week
- Monday to Friday, hours between 6.00am - 6.00pm.
- Expected Duration
- 3 Years 6 Months
- Positions Available
- 4
- Closing Date
- Friday, 7th August 2026
- Start Date
- Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Desired Skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
Qualifications
- Maths and English GCSE, grade 4/C or above (Essential)