Engineering Apprentice
Princes Ltd
Belvedere, Erith
Closes in 27 days (Sunday 12 April 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 13 March 2026
Contents
Summary
Our 2026 apprenticeship programme is now open for applications! Don't miss this opportunity! If you love all things technical and enjoy solving problems, then developing your career as an Engineer could be the perfect next step for you.
- Wage
-
£27,000 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
22 shift holiday
- Training course
- Mechatronics maintenance technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Rotating week:
6am - 2pm.
2pm - 10pm.
5 days a week.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Discover the fascinating world of maintaining cutting-edge machinery in our apprentice programme – the next chapter in your career! Work alongside a highly skilled team, learning about Princes products and how they are manufactured.
At Princes, we believe in attracting and developing talent from our business to accelerate your learning and identify your potential. Join our Engineering apprenticeship programme, learn on the job, and work with expert Technicians at our manufacturing sites!
What to expect:
- 4-year apprenticeship with potential for permanent career development
- College release and work-based assignments with experienced technicians
- Exceptional training and development throughout the apprenticeship
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Princes Edible Oils, Crabree Manorway, Belvedere, DA1 6AB
- Princes Edible Oils, Church Manorway, Erith, DA8 1DL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
IPS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Training course
Mechatronics maintenance technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Use information technology, for example to create documentation, communication and information management.
- Obtain, read and interpret task related documentation, such as work instructions, quality control documents, drawings, operation manuals, specifications and service manuals.
- Record information for example job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
- Conduct initial assessment of equipment that requires maintenance.
- Formulate plans setting out the methodology of the maintenance activity including timescales and resources.
- Select, prepare and use material, consumables, tools and equipment.
- Comply with health and safety regulations and organisational requirements applicable in the workplace. For example, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, PPE and applying safe systems of work.
- Apply dynamic risk assessment, hazard identification and risk mitigation principles and techniques.
- Apply isolation principles and techniques to equipment undergoing maintenance, including dissipation of stored energies as required.
- Manufacture, repair and refurbish components using hand and machine tools.
- Restore the workplace on completion of the maintenance activity. Handover resources, consumables and equipment to process owner.
- Apply the techniques and processes used in reactive maintenance and repair activities on complex engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
- Produce, maintain, update, record and store documentation including electronic items such as PLC and robot programmes.
- Apply techniques and processes used in planned and preventative maintenance activities on engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
- Apply functional testing and checking techniques and processes after maintenance interventions, and handover to the operational team.
- Apply techniques and processes used in condition monitoring, non-destructive or sensory testing. Record findings and take necessary actions.
- Apply calculation techniques such as, feeds, speeds, tolerances, electrical calculations using Ohms law, power calculations and cable sizing calculations.
- Select, use and confirm calibration of electrical and mechanical testing and measuring equipment.
- Produce sketches or drawings to support maintenance activities.
- Communicate in writing. Prepare communications, documents and reports on technical matters.
- Segregate, separate and dispose of waste streams and by-products.
- Apply 4S or 5S principles of housekeeping to the work environment.
- Identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve operational performance.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Communicate with others verbally. Negotiate with colleagues or stakeholders. For example, to access equipment or arrange access to equipment.
- Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
- Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
- Apply fault finding techniques used in reactive maintenance on complex integrated systems including half split, input output, six point technique, function or performance testing, unit or component substitution and equipment diagnostics.
- Use information technology, for example to create documentation, communication and information management.
- Obtain, read and interpret task related documentation, such as work instructions, quality control documents, drawings, operation manuals, specifications and service manuals.
- Record information for example job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
- Conduct initial assessment of equipment that requires maintenance.
- Formulate plans setting out the methodology of the maintenance activity including timescales and resources.
- Select, prepare and use material, consumables, tools and equipment.
- Comply with health and safety regulations and organisational requirements applicable in the workplace. For example, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, PPE and applying safe systems of work.
- Apply dynamic risk assessment, hazard identification and risk mitigation principles and techniques.
- Apply isolation principles and techniques to equipment undergoing maintenance, including dissipation of stored energies as required.
- Manufacture, repair and refurbish components using hand and machine tools.
- Restore the workplace on completion of the maintenance activity. Handover resources, consumables and equipment to process owner.
- Apply the techniques and processes used in reactive maintenance and repair activities on complex engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
- Produce, maintain, update, record and store documentation including electronic items such as PLC and robot programmes.
- Apply techniques and processes used in planned and preventative maintenance activities on engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
- Apply functional testing and checking techniques and processes after maintenance interventions, and handover to the operational team.
- Apply techniques and processes used in condition monitoring, non-destructive or sensory testing. Record findings and take necessary actions.
- Apply calculation techniques such as, feeds, speeds, tolerances, electrical calculations using Ohms law, power calculations and cable sizing calculations.
- Select, use and confirm calibration of electrical and mechanical testing and measuring equipment.
- Produce sketches or drawings to support maintenance activities.
- Communicate in writing. Prepare communications, documents and reports on technical matters.
- Segregate, separate and dispose of waste streams and by-products.
- Apply 4S or 5S principles of housekeeping to the work environment.
- Identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve operational performance.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Communicate with others verbally. Negotiate with colleagues or stakeholders. For example, to access equipment or arrange access to equipment.
- Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
- Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
- Apply fault finding techniques used in reactive maintenance on complex integrated systems including half split, input output, six point technique, function or performance testing, unit or component substitution and equipment diagnostics.
Training schedule
Year 1 of the Level 3 Mechatronics Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard, the learner will attend four days a week within IPS Rochester workshop completing practical skills and one day a week studying the Technical Certificate. In Year 2, the Apprentice moves to day-release and will attend IPS one day a week to continue the Technical Certificate. Starting in Year 2 and continuing until completion in Year 4. The Apprentice will continue to receive regular training contact with IPS all throughout the programme.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
Enrolment onto your apprenticeship programme is subject to prior attainment checks, and your Personal Learning Record will be reviewed upon successful appointment. We are also obligated to follow the guidelines around eligibility, set out by the government apprenticeship funding rules.
NB: Please include minimum qualifications (GCSE Maths and English grades) in your apprenticeship application. Tailor your application to the vacancy, dedicating 1-2 paragraphs for each question to demonstrate interest in the role and the company.
**If you are unsuccessful, you will be automatically added to our Talentpool list where future vacancies will be sent to you. If you would like to opt out of this mailing list please select unsubscribe in the email.**
About this employer
For generations, families have reached for Princes for something tasty for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
From Tuna, to peach slices, to corned beef. We’ve lovingly developed a wide range of tasty, high quality food and drink products to help you and your family eat healthier and fit a good diet around your busy lives.
For almost 150 years, our commitment to providing high quality, delicious, healthy and affordable food and drink has never changed.Take a peek at our collection of quick and simple recipes, designed with your whole family in mind.
After this apprenticeship
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity for a permanent position.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
IPS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Mandy Rai
mandyrai@ips-international.com
01634298808
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000020880.
Apply now
Closes in 27 days (Sunday 12 April 2026 at 11:59pm)