Title:  Apprentice Technician

Apprentice Technician Level 3 – Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship

Salary: £21,000 in year one, rising to £28,000 in year two, plus benefits
Function: Supply Chain
Location: Tadcaster
Contract: 48-month fixed-term apprenticeship
Closing date: 9 March 2026 (may close early)
Start date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026

As a major player in the international drinks industry and home to around 2,400 pubs across the UK, we’re a place where passion meets purpose, careers are crafted with care and enjoyment of life is part of the job.

We're seeking an Apprentice Technician to join our Tadcaster 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 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 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 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 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'll be supported, included, and backed with trust to deliver.

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

• £21,000 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

Rewards and benefits can vary from role to role. Some benefits are taxable and may be based on employee contributions. We’re happy to discuss further throughout the application process.

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?
• Tell us what sets you apart from other applicants?
• Try to write no more than five paragraphs
• Try not to repeat what you’ve included in your CV

If adjustments are required to support your application, please contact recruitment@heineken.co.uk. We’re more than happy to make any adjustments that will help bring out your best self.

With more than 150 years of brewing history and are proud of this legacy. Yet we're sure our best days are ahead of us. Every one of our colleagues has a role to play as we dream big, set bold ambitions and push the boundaries.

Apply today to discover Your Future, Untapped.