Engineering Technician Apprentice

WHITWORTH BROS.LIMITED

Northampton (NN8 2DT)

Closes in 15 days (Friday 5 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 20 May 2026


Summary

You will work alongside experienced Maintenance Technicians and Engineers, supporting the maintenance function to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of all equipment. You’ll gain exposure to best-in-class practices while contributing to continuous improvement across the site. 

Training course
Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 17:00, with a 1 hour unpaid break.

40 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 July 2026

Duration

4 years

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

  • Supporting the maintenance team with day-to-day engineering activities
  • Maintaining high standards of safety and housekeeping within work areas
  • Adhering to all Health, Safety and Environmental requirements
  • Completing maintenance documentation accurately and on time
  • Supporting risk assessments prior to undertaking maintenance work
  • Assisting with prioritisation of maintenance tasks
  • Responding to breakdowns and incidents to minimise downtime
  • Helping ensure machinery and equipment remain fully operational
  • Carrying out systematic fault-finding
  • Supporting general machine maintenance (cleaning, inspection, repair and rebuild)
  • Contributing to site performance targets and continuous improvement initiatives

Where you'll work

Victoria Mills
Wellingborough
Northampton
NN8 2DT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE

Training course

Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
  • Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
  • Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
  • Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
  • Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
  • Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
  • Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
  • Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
  • Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
  • Follow standard operating procedures.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
  • Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
  • Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
  • Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
  • Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
  • Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
  • Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
  • Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
  • Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
  • Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
  • Follow standard operating procedures.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
  • Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.

Training schedule

Training will be both work-based and day release to college. 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C or above)
  • Maths (grade 4/C or above)
  • Science (grade 4/C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience

About this employer

At Whitworth Brothers ltd, we’ve been milling quality flour for over 130 years—and we’re still growing strong. Our world class mills coupled with our continued investment in our people and our estate mean we are a market leading business that helps feed the nation.  
Whether you’re behind the wheel delivering our goods, keeping production running smoothly, or supporting operations from head office, you’ll play a vital role in our success. 
Why join our team:  
Stability & Growth: We’re a trusted name in the industry with a proud heritage. 
Team Spirit: Friendly, supportive colleagues who value what you bring to the table. 
Opportunities for Everyone: From drivers and engineers to finance and HR—there’s a place for you here. 
Competitive Pay & Benefits: Because your hard work deserves recognition.  
Ready to be part of something bigger? 

https://whitworthbros.ltd.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Opportunity to take on a role as a Maintenance Technician.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000032654.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Friday 5 June 2026 at 11:59pm)