Engineering Advanced Apprentice | Kirkham, Lancashire

Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship – Kirkham | Meatex Jobs

Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship based in Kirkham, Lancashire, offering a paid Level 3 apprenticeship with salaries rising from £17,000 to £30,000 over four years. Join Kepak Group at the Rustlers site and earn while you learn in a hands-on engineering role starting September 2026.

Job Overview

Role: Engineering Advanced Apprentice
Location: Kirkham, Lancashire
Salary: £17,000 – £30,000 (progressive over 4 years)
Hours: Full-time, on-site
Start Date: September 2026
Company: Kepak Group

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity to begin a career in engineering and food manufacturing through a structured Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship. You’ll work within Kepak’s Maintenance team at the Rustlers factory, supported by a dedicated mentor while developing practical, technical, and problem-solving skills.

You’ll earn a salary while completing your qualification and gaining real-world engineering experience.

Apprenticeship Salary Structure

Salary increases are linked to successful completion of each academic year:

• Year 1: £17,000

• Year 2: £20,500

• Year 3: £24,500

• Year 4: £30,000

Key Responsibilities

As an Engineering Apprentice, you will:

• Carry out planned preventative maintenance as directed

• Support maintenance and rectification works following audits and inspections

• Assist with continual improvement of plant and equipment

• Help reduce downtime through effective maintenance practices

• Maintain workshops, plant rooms, and engineering stores to audit standards

• Keep tools and equipment clean, serviceable, and ready for use

• Record completed work using paper-based and computer systems

• Highlight spare parts requirements and support KPI tracking

• Report any risks, safety issues, or non-conforming materials immediately

What You’ll Learn During the Apprenticeship

You will develop knowledge and skills in:

• Mathematical techniques used in engineering maintenance

• Mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid power principles

• Mechatronics maintenance and process control systems

• Equipment operation, interaction, and performance parameters

• Fault diagnosis methods and condition monitoring techniques

• Planned preventative maintenance planning and execution

• Minimising machinery downtime through structured maintenance

The Ideal Candidate

No previous engineering experience is required. We’re looking for motivated individuals with the right attitude.

You should:

• Be fully committed to a 4-year apprenticeship programme

• Have a positive attitude and strong attention to detail

• Be keen to learn and develop new skills

• Have a genuine interest in engineering and problem solving

• Be able to work well as part of a team

• Be willing and able to travel to the Kirkham site and training provider

• Hold GCSE Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English

Core Values We Look For

Successful apprentices will demonstrate:

• Responsibility: Taking ownership and accountability

• Ambition: A drive to challenge yourself and succeed

• Passion for Food: Enthusiasm for the food industry

• Teamwork: Ability to build positive relationships across teams

Why Join This Apprenticeship?

This programme offers a strong foundation for a long-term engineering career within a leading European food group.

Benefits include:

• Paid apprenticeship with structured salary progression

• Employee discount scheme

• Discounted meat products

• Service-related annual leave

• Educational assistance and learning & development support

• Cycle to work scheme

• Employee assistance programme

Company Information

Kepak Group is one of Europe’s leading meat processors, with a portfolio of well-known brands including Rustlers, Big Al’s, John Stone, Stript Snacks, and Celtic Beef. The business is committed to innovation, sustainability, and developing people at every stage of their career.

Equal Opportunities

Kepak Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.