Title:  Apprentice Technician

Apprentice Technician Level 3 – Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship

Salary: £20,000 in year one, rising to £26,000 in year two, plus benefits
Function: Supply Chain
Location: Manchester
Contract: 48-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 carefully developed, purpose matters, and enjoyment of work is part of everyday life.

We are seeking an Apprentice Technician to join our Manchester Brewery. This opportunity is suited to those finishing education or considering a career change, offering the chance to gain practical engineering experience while working towards an externally recognised Level 3 qualification with a global organisation.

About the role

The Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship is based within our manufacturing teams in Manchester, 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 will 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 Manchester)
• 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 are looking for

We are looking for motivated individuals 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

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 career development, ongoing learning, and the opportunity 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 training blocks
• Hands-on learning and development opportunities
• 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.