Apprentice Technician - Tadcaster at HEINEKEN

About the role

The Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship is based within our manufacturing teams in Tadcaster, supporting production operations. Over 48 months, you will develop expertise in process safety, food safety and equipment maintenance while learning to use continuous improvement tools and modern engineering techniques.

You’ll learn from experienced engineering technicians and manufacturing specialists, gaining insight into real operational environments. From the start, you will receive structured training, career support and guidance within an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Key responsibilities

• Attend required college release blocks, complete apprenticeship assignments and participate in performance reviews to maintain a high level of academic performance (please note, block release may be up to 5 months, based away from Tadcaster).
• Support safe working across engineering and maintenance activities, ensuring all work meets HEINEKEN & UK compliance standards.
• Learn and apply Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) to uphold the highest food safety standards.
• Develop skills in mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance, materials science, control systems, instrumentation, fluid and thermodynamics, and automation principles.
• Conduct planned and predictive maintenance to ensure equipment and machinery is effectively maintained to optimise production levels.
• Carry out reactive maintenance in response to equipment operating ineffectively.
• Monitor processes to ensure products meet strict quality and food safety benchmarks.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities using Total Productive Management (TPM) methodology and tools.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for motivated people who are safety-focused and ready to build a long-term career in engineering and manufacturing.

You should have:

• Five GCSEs at Level 4 or equivalent, including Maths at Level 6 and English at Level 4.
• The right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• UK residency for at least three years by 1 September 2026.
• Be aged 18 or over by 1 September 2026.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Flexibility to work 12-hour shifts on rotating day and night patterns.
• An interest in developing technical and manufacturing skills.