About
Employer description
British Sugar are the sole processor of the UK’s beet sugar crop, we work in partnership with over 3,000 growers and our customers to deliver a world-class product that is made to the highest standards every day.
We are the leading producer of sugar for the British and Irish food and beverage markets, processing around eight million tonnes of sugar beet and producing up to 1.2 million tonnes of sugar each year
Main description
Our apprenticeship schemes are a great way to start your career with the only sugar producer in the UK that uses farm assured beet crops and partners with 2,300 growers.
Maybe you are about to finish school or college or are looking for a new career. Learning practical skills for 80% of your time by working alongside our experts and spending 20% of your time working towards your qualification that we pay for, as well as your salary and benefits. Our apprenticeships take between 2.5-4.5 years before moving to your first role.
Training to be provided
In this apprenticeship, you will follow a Control Engineering pathway, focusing on understanding, configuring, and optimizing the systems that automate and regulate sugar production. You will delve into the science behind control systems and automation, gaining expertise in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Dat Acquisition (SCADA) distributed control systems (DCS), and other advanced automation technologies. This includes studying a broad range of topics such as control theory, process dynamics, sensors, actuators, and instrumentation, alongside related mechanical and electrical subjects like motor control, pneumatics, conveyors, and elevators.
A 55-month programme, following the Automation & Control Engineering Technician Standard, achieving a Level 4 qualification recognised by the Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech) and all the practical experience alongside, to be ready to move into a Control Engineer (Development) role.
During your scheme you will be working from our Bury Customer Supply site, 5-days a week, Monday-Friday for 8 hours each day. During periods of site support, you may occasionally be required to work on weekends and bank holidays.
This scheme gives you the opportunity to:
- Understand how the key operational functions work within our factories.
- Gain a good knowledge of our processes and equipment.
- Understand our systems and procedures to work safely and efficiently.
- Develop the behavioural skills to be a great team member.
- Develop skills to troubleshoot and fault find on plant using tools including system tools and technics, through commissioning, maintenance, and operational periods.
- Develop skills to troubleshoot and fault find control system faults.
- Develop skills to design, development and management of modern PLC based control systems and distributed control system on our sites.
- Gain knowledge of operational technology (OT) systems and how the modern control systems and OT integrate with information technology (IT) systems.
Entry requirements
You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Level 5/C or above which must include Maths, English and a Science. Plus, a Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics.
Candidates must be able to travel to the workplace and to attend College.
Additional information
We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job adverts early, in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please do not delay in submitting your application.
We are committed to creating an environment where all our people are treated with respect and given the opportunities to succeed. We want British Sugar to be a great, inclusive place to work for everyone.
Closing Date
The closing date for this job offer is on 05/04/2026
Salary
£25,000 per year
Location
This job is located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
More Information and How to Apply
About West Suffolk College
West Suffolk College is an ambitious vocational and academic College, with a stunning main campus set in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. We are committed to providing outstanding education to all our students.
