Apprenticeships

We’re proud to be an apprenticeship employer that offers a variety of exciting career choices.  

We are in the Best 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK for 2024 – 2025.  This table is generated by reviews from  apprentices themselves who give answers around 10 questions about their apprenticeship experience.  Getting a place in the Best 100 is a massive endorsement of how much our apprentices enjoy working at Premier Foods and how they are supported in the workplace to achieve and really add value.  

Each of our apprentices are passionate about learning and are driven to improve their capabilities and skills.  Many have achieved promotions into different roles on completion of their programme.  

Apprenticeships at Premier Foods  

We currently have apprentices engaged on multiple programmes, including:  

  • Engineering  
  • Team leading and Operations management 
  • Food technology  
  • Laboratory scientist  
  • Finance   
  • Packaging technology  
  • Information technology  
  • HR and L&D  
  • Project management  
  • Supply chain management  
  • Sales  
  • Customer Services 
  • Continuous improvement   

Please search our current vacancies, where details of available positions will be published.  If you don't see one for you, check back or join our talent community and we'll keep you informed of new opportunities as they arise.

Minimum Entry Requirements:  

  • The right to work in the UK and be English speaking  
  • Please see individual vacancy listings for further details. 

Frequently asked questions:  

How long are the programmes?  

They vary in length from 15 months to five years depending on the level and apprenticeship standard/ qualification.  

What can I expect as an apprentice at Premier Foods?  

  • A starting salary of £22,500 with incremental pay increases annually on successful completion of studies and performance in role  
  • 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays 
  • Pension scheme and life assurance  
  • Option to join Sharesave Scheme 
  • Access to The Hamper our colleague discount scheme  
  • A line manager and mentor to support you throughout the programme  
  • Support to attain Level 2 Functional Skills certificates in Maths and English if not already achieved 
  • Access to Telus, our Employee Assistance Programme 
  • Join a network of apprentices and take part in our Boost soft skills development as a cohort 

Jemma Green

Food Technologist Apprenticeship

Studying a degree in Food Science and Technology was something I had always wanted to do. Although I had already applied for university, when I saw the opportunity to study this degree through an apprenticeship at Premier Foods, I jumped at the chance! The idea of working, whilst also studying a degree that I am passionate about, was the perfect way for me to kick start my career.

When I have finished my degree apprenticeship, I will have 5 years of relevant work experience, which will set me apart from, and give me an advantage over other graduates in my field. By earning whilst I’m learning, and not having the worry of student debt, I am able enjoy my education even more, and make better plans for the future. The opportunities Premier Foods has given me are fantastic, and I would encourage any other young person to do a degree apprenticeship with this company.  

Dani Keep

Apprentice Packaging Technologist – Ashford site

Working as an apprentice in the manufacturing industry is a great way to learn whilst gaining experience in the workplace. Not only do you get an education in the subject, but also how to apply it to tasks in practice. I work both in the admin building talking to suppliers and approving artwork, as well as in the factory performing trials.

Many roles at Premier have this half and half dynamic, meaning the job stays interesting! As well as this, all my fellow colleagues at Premier have always been so supportive and welcoming, making you feel relaxed in your working environment. So, if you are looking for a friendly environment where you can earn and learn at the same time, I would recommend taking an apprenticeship at Premier Foods.

Andrew Kett

Apprentice Pilot Plant Technician

The apprenticeships offered by Premier Foods gives a unique look into the food manufacturing industry. With Premier Foods being a top 100 apprenticeship employer, I knew the training and support offered would be good as well as the future job prosperities with them. The apprenticeship gives me the ability to learn alongside working and earning a liveable wage. I learn something every day without even realising it, whether it’s a new skill, a better understanding of the industry or personal development through work.  

Everyone here is very friendly and willing to go above and beyond to help me with my apprenticeship. I’ve been shown many new skills on the job and have been provided with lots of information to help me with my coursework. If there’s ever any information I need colleagues will do their best to connect me with the person that can help.  There is also a great community feel at the factory, with everyone saying hello to you.  

My role here impacts the future of the company with developing new products for the ambient dessert market. I like how that even though I have a small role here, it has a big impact.  Food production is a mystery to most people, don’t get put off by not knowing anything about it as it soon becomes clear! If there’s ever anything you don’t understand you can ask anyone, and they’ll explain what they’re doing and how their role fits in with the bigger picture.