Title:  Apprentice Technical Operator

Apprentice Technical Operator Level 3 – Food and Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship

Salary: £20,000 in year one, rising to £26,000 in year two, plus benefits
Function: Supply Chain
Location: Hereford
Contract: 30-month fixed-term apprenticeship
Closing date: 9 March 2026 (may close early)
Start date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026

As the UK’s leading drinks and hospitality business, we operate around 2,400 establishments nationwide and play a major role in the international drinks industry. We are a business where careers are developed with care, purpose matters, and enjoyment of work is part of everyday life.

We are now recruiting an Apprentice Technical Operator to join our Hereford Brewery. This opportunity is ideal for those completing formal education or seeking a career change, offering the chance to gain practical workplace experience while achieving an externally recognised Level 3 qualification with a global organisation.

About the role

The Food and Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship is based at our Herefordshire Brewery within the Packaging team. You will support the brewing and packaging of our products while developing technical expertise in operating machinery, diagnosing faults, and carrying out basic maintenance.

Alongside hands-on experience, you will learn about continuous improvement, food safety, and quality assurance. You will take ownership of production processes and help ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operations. From day one, you will receive structured support, guidance, and development within a friendly and inclusive environment.

Key responsibilities

• Attend required college release blocks, complete apprenticeship assignments and participate in performance reviews to maintain a high level of academic performance.
• Embrace and champion strong safety culture, ensuring the safety of yourself and others.
• Control manufacturing processes through equipment or process operation, frontline fault diagnosis and resolution, asset care, and basic maintenance tasks.
• Learn and apply quality assurance and food safety practices across all manufacturing processes to ensure our products are food safe and compliant.
• Work as part of a wider team to manufacture safe and compliant products to meet deadlines, achieve productivity, efficiency, hygiene and environmental requirements whilst ensuring health and safety remains everyone's top priority.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives

Who we are looking for

We are seeking motivated individuals who are safety-focused and keen to develop a long-term career in 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 a rotating day and night pattern
• An interest in developing technical and manufacturing skills

Why join us?

Our people are central to our success. From day one, you will be supported, included, and encouraged to contribute to the future of our business.

It’s a brilliant time to join as we continue to innovate, invest in communities, and work towards a more sustainable future. We’re known for all the right reasons - strong ideas, fresh ways of thinking and doing, and being right at the heart of the action, from global sport in F1 & UEFA Women’s Champions League, to major cultural moments. Be part of what’s next.

We offer strong development opportunities, ongoing learning, and the chance to build a meaningful career within a well-established organisation.

Benefits

• £20,000 starting salary
• Double-matched pension scheme
• Accommodation costs fully funded when at college.
• Food allowance during college blocks
• Hands-on training and development
• Access to colleague networks supporting inclusion and diversity

Benefits may vary by role, and some are taxable.

Application process

To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter – without a cover letter, applications will not be accepted.

We are committed to communicating responsibly, which means our careers site can only be accessed by adults aged 18 and above.

If at the time of applying you are aged under 18, please ask for help from a parent or legal guardian to access our site, navigate to this vacancy and support you in completing your application.

We've put together a few tips to get you started for your covering letter:

• Why would you be great for the role?
• Why do you want to join HEINEKEN as an Apprentice?
• Anything that sets you apart from other applicants
• No longer than 5 paragraphs
• Try not to duplicate your CV

If adjustments are required to support your application, please contact recruitment@heineken.co.uk. We welcome all discussions on what helps you do your best at any stage.

With more than 150 years of heritage behind us, we stand with pride and focused on the future.  Apply now to realise your potential and help shape what comes next.