Apprentice software and control engineer (Wednesbury)

Description

Job description:

Warburtons Limited are looking for an apprentice software and control engineer to complete a Level 6 control systems engineer degree apprenticeship and join their team.

Engineers aren’t born they’re bread and we’re gearing up to welcome applications for our 2025 engineering apprentices to join our family based in our Wednesbury bakery. We are looking for our new apprentices to have a passion for engineering and, more specifically, Software and Controls, and to be available to join the family in August 2025.

The apprenticeship programme gives YOU the development and skill set you need for us to shape our future together.

We are inviting apprenticeship applications NOW in readiness for our selection events in February / March 2025.

Extra Dough

Last, but by no means yeast, you’ll want to know what your breads worth

• A recognised development path and qualification to kick-start your career
• £25,000 starting salary, rising each year of your apprenticeship 
• Family time is important to us, so we’ll start you on 25 days paid holiday per year
• Life assurance
• New starter goodie box to welcome you to the family
• Being part of a national team of apprentices, supporting each other
• A dedicated mentor throughout your apprenticeship
• Continued development & 1-2-1 training designed especially for you
• Working on sites with state-of-the-art technology, automation and new product development
• Site social events, charity days and wellbeing initiatives
• Award winning contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Retail Vouchers & online shopping offers including Warburtons discounted products
• Support for your health and wellbeing, including, 24/7 access to a confidential helpline for practical advice and a comprehensive occupational health service

If you’re looking to kick-start your career within a supportive, industry leading family business that puts our people at the heart of it, then the journey starts here.

Key Dates

• January 2025 applications will close - to avoid disappointment, we strongly advise you to apply now!
• February 2025 successful candidates will be notified by email
• We will aim to hold selection events during March 2025
• If successful, you will receive your offer of employment in April 2025
• Employment will commence mid to late August 2025

All applicants will be required to successfully complete a series of assessments conducted by the University of Sheffield’s AMRC training centre, as well as a final selection process onsite with Warburtons.

Role & responsibilities:

Our apprenticeship provides the knowledge, skills and experience that allows you to become a critical member of our team; our Software and Control Engineers provide technical leadership, support, and continual improvement of our Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) within the bakery. They also ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of control systems, supporting operational excellence and compliance with company policies and industry standards.

Typical things you can expect are:

• A structured 4-year apprenticeship programme
• Varied learning through a mixture of on-the-job training with your own Warburtons mentor and working with our training provider (AMRC)
• An apprenticeship that equips you to become a Software & Controls engineer
• A varied programme that involves supporting the development, maintenance, and improvement of Industrial Control systems (ICS) & Operational Technology (OT)

At the successful completion of your apprenticeship you'll have achieved your Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Maintenance Engineering and you’ll be ready to start your career as a qualified Software & Controls Engineer with us. This route is just the start of your career and can open the door to many more opportunities, such as Engineering Management and Project Engineering positions at site or involved with continuous improvement projects in head office

Skills required:

• You'll have excellent analytical skills and enjoy problem solving with a logical and structured approach
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Committed to keeping safety as the number one priority
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Personal qualities the candidate must have:

• Passion, drive and commitment to complete a 4-year apprenticeship with a genuine interest in Software and Controls engineering
• You’ll be a team player working collaboratively within and across teams
• You’ll be respectful and helpful and value others
• Able to balance multiple priorities effectively to move things forward

Employer description:

As ‘the UK’s No. 1 Bakery Brand’ we have been baking bread since 1876. Today, we are proudly a fifth-generation family, with the introduction of the sixth generation, supplying over 18,000 retail customers from 11 bakeries and 16 depots, producing a range of over 70 products, including gluten and wheat free. Family and values are what makes us different, and we are a proud bunch; join us and you too could be proud to be Warburtons.

Things to consider:

During the first year you will be required to attend the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre based in Catcliffe, Sheffield, for an initial block of full-time study. One Friday per month you will return to your workplace. After the initial block training you will attend the AMRC Training Centre for one day a week to undertake the knowledge study. The remaining four days will be spent in company learning on the job.

Unless exemptions apply, year one apprentices are required to live full time in Sheffield for 24 weeks in university accommodation so that they can attend the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Sheffield. 

Future programme years apprentices are required to continue attending the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Sheffield, for example, one day per month which will require travel and overnight hotel accommodation.

Please note the AMRC Training Centre reserves the right to close applications ahead of the published closing date.

Qualification Requirements:

Degree Apprenticeship entry requirements

You will need both of the following:

• GCSE English language C or 4 or above
• GCSE Maths C or 4 or above.

You will need one of the following:

• A minimum of two A-Levels at grade B or above, including a mathematical-based subject and a science, technology, engineering or an additional mathematics-related subject

• An Engineering BTEC Level 3 with at least 120 credits at DM (Distinction Merit) level or above

• EAL Diploma in an engineering-based subject at D (Distinction) level

• Equivalent qualifications such as Technical Levels at DM or above.

Candidates with an HND or Foundation Degree or who have completed the second year of a degree in a relevant subject can be assessed for direct entry onto the 2nd or 3rd year of the programme (BEng top-up), but 1st year entry or an alternative pathway may still be recommended.

Candidates who have not studied in the UK can submit transcripts for qualifications equivalent to level 3 which the admissions panel will review and may be taken in lieu of the specified qualifications.

Applicants are also required to successfully complete the AMRC Training Centre and employer recruitment and selection process to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme.

If you are uncertain about whether your qualifications meet the entry tariff for the degree apprenticeship, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@amrctraining.co.uk.