Prototype engineer apprentice

Description

Job description:

Unilever are looking for a Prototype engineer apprentice to complete a Level 3 Machining Technician apprenticeship. Reporting to the Production Manager, the successful candidate will be self-motivated and have a positive attitude. The Ice Cream Processing team at Colworth has a vacancy for a Prototype Engineering Apprentice based at their Advanced Prototype Engineer Centre (APEC). This is an exciting level 3 engineering apprenticeship programme in collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield. 

Role & responsibilities

The role involves working within an established team of multi-skilled engineers that manufacture one-off prototype equipment and machinery related to new ice cream product manufacture via hands on machining and fabrication. This is an ideal opportunity for a school leaver with an interest in the engineering sector within a fast-moving goods company (FMCG). The ideal candidate will be self-driven, keen to learn and can commit time to study whilst working.

Ice cream is a large and highly successful business in Unilever.  It is also one of the most complex products to make because of the wide array of product formats and mixing, forming, filling, shaping & freezing technologies involved. The ice cream process development team is responsible for identifying, creating, and delivering innovative and reliable new processes to support the design and manufacture of ice cream products across our world-renowned global (e.g., Magnum, CdO, Cornetto, Walls), premium (e.g. B&J, GROM), and regional brands (e.g. Cremissimo, Ingman, Evga, Cucciolone) that meet consumers’ needs.

The Prototype Engineering Apprentice will learn the skills required to machine and assemble mechanical parts and components from engineering drawings to implement new process technologies in close partnership with designers, process development engineers, and project teams, as well as key external partners/suppliers (e.g., machinery & component suppliers, process technology and control system suppliers). 

The successful applicant will work a 37.5-hour week and a competitive salary package. Other Unilever employee benefits are available including a contributory pension scheme and on-site sports facilities. Unilever has also a strong learning culture with access to extensive training and career development resources.

Main Accountabilites

• After receiving suitable training, use a broad range of modern engineering machinery, machine tools (manual and CNC) and welding machines (TIG - spot) to manufacture prototypes of mechanical components, sub-systems, nozzles, jigs etc. from stainless steel, food grade aluminium and plastics.
• Use precision measuring instruments to manufacture and check that parts are made accurately as per drawings and specifications.
• Working with designers, control engineers and process developers on creative engineering solutions.
• Work under supervision to manufacture one-off prototypes, assemblies, and machined parts to food grade standards right first time. Specific training will be given if required. 
• Support good housekeeping and safety of the APEC working in conjunction with the APEC Supervisor/Group Safety Advisor

There is a 38-block release learning in year 1 which will be based at the AMRC at Sheffield full time (accommodation funded by Unilever).

Skills required:

• Organisation skills
• Problem solving
• Good communication skills
• Team Work
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software (Word, Excel)
• 6 GCSE (or equivalent) at grade 5 or above including English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics

Personal qualities the candidate must have:

• Work experience/time spent in an engineering environment
• Interest in food, processing, and engineering
• Good communication skills and team player
• Attention to detail, organisational skills
• Problem solver, analytical skills
• Initiative and ‘can do’ mindset
• Curious to learn and develop self

Employer description:

Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, pioneering & innovating for over 120 years & enhancing the lives of over 2.5 billion consumers every day using our products to feel good, look good and get more out of life.

Producing over 400 brands across 190 countries gives us a unique opportunity to create positive change, grow our business and achieve our purpose of making sustainable living commonplace. Our products range from nutritious foods, household care essentials, indulgent ice creams, refreshing teas, luxurious shampoos, disease combating soaps… and many more. This means you will find at least one of our products in seven out of ten households on the planet. By joining our Engineering team as an apprentice, you will become part of our inclusive community of over 8000 of the most highly skilled Engineers worldwide, spanning across 320+ factories. Working together, supporting each other, and implementing the latest technology and design to build ground-breaking solutions and innovations.

Things to consider:

During the first year you will be required to attend the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Sheffield, full time for an initial block of study. You will return to your workplace one Friday per month. 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.

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

Qualification Requirements:

Advanced Apprenticeships entry requirements

You will need both of the following:

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

Applicants are also required to successfully complete a series of assessments at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre, as well as an employer recruitment and selection process to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme.

Apprenticeship applications are open for 2024.

Apply now.