Apprentice Engineer

Based - Lifton, Devon, PL16 0BB

Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Qualification  

1st year salary £23,809 per annum

5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays

The Interview Selection Centre will be held in July 2026.  You will need to be available to attend if successfully selected for interview.

We are looking for two Apprentice Engineers to join our highly skilled and experienced production engineering team here in Lifton, Devon, where the magic happens as we create Britain’s favourite custard and rice pudding.

If you are looking to embark on an engineering career and you think we could be a place you’d like to build that career in, then read on ...

Food engineering is a multidisciplinary field encompassing all the skills needed in a contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry.  Our facility needs all these skills now given our current modern, highly technological plant and even more so in the future as we invest further in new automated systems, plant and equipment.

As a member of the Ambrosia Team, you will experience a friendly supportive environment working alongside colleagues who are experts in their field and benefit from being part of a larger group, Premier Foods.

Working in partnership with City College Plymouth, we are offering a 4-year apprenticeship programme leading to a Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician qualification, along with any additional qualifications required to support your chosen bias as the programme progresses. 

You will develop engineering skills to a high standard by following a structured apprenticeship pathway, supporting your journey to becoming one of our multi-skilled shift engineers. 

And when you successfully complete your programme, we will support you to develop your skills further and work towards higher qualifications.

What you’ll be doing:

The first term of the first year of your apprenticeship will be spent at college then moving to two days per week for the remainder of year 1.  For the other days and during the holidays, you will be required to attend site to apply what you have been learning at college, into practice. 

For years two and three of your apprenticeship, you will be on day release at the college and then working on site alongside experienced engineers who will support and mentor you, building capability and problem-solving techniques to confidently evaluate and implement solutions.

Year four of your apprenticeship will see you go on shift working with a specific team of engineers, working a shift pattern, that may include working day and night shifts. 

Once you have completed your apprenticeship to the required standard, you will become a qualified multiskilled engineer.

What we need from you: 

• A minimum of 4 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grade 4/ C or above, including Maths, Science and English.
• A real interest in engineering and technology (and you like great custard and rice pudding!).
• Drive, enthusiasm and commitment to learning new skills, seeking opportunities for personal development and passing on knowledge to others.
• The ability to communicate effectively and engage positively and proactively with colleagues across the site and group.
• Willingness to work shifts including days, nights and weekends. 

What we can offer you: 

• A competitive salary that rises each year, aligned with successful completion of each academic year
• Contributory Company pension scheme with life assurance
• Five weeks equivalent holiday plus bank holidays
• A range of benefits including an employee discount scheme, company shop and onsite subsidised canteen
• ShareSave scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Apprentice Network Skills Development Programme - BOOST 

Closing date:  Wednesday 27th May 2026

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome. 

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.