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 Mechanical pathway, learning the science behind how we produce sugar and how we design, analyse, manufacture, and maintain our mechanical and electrical equipment and highly automated programmable control systems. This includes learning a broad range of mechanical areas including pumps, gearboxes, pipework, bearings as well as learning some electrical biased subjects such as, valves, actuators, isolation and high voltage distribution.
A 48-month programme, following a recognised Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Standard. During the scheme you will be gaining site based practical experience, in readiness to move into a Mechanical Technician role.
During your scheme, you will be working from our Bury St Edmunds factory site, 5-days a week, Monday-Friday, 8 hours each day. When you move into a Mechanical Technician role you may then need to work a 12-hour shift pattern comprising of day and night shifts. This includes working some weekends and bank holidays.
The scheme gives you the opportunity to:
Gain a solid knowledge of maintenance and operational practices, processes and procedures covering a range of plant and equipment.
Knowledge and understanding of engineering theories and principles.
Understand the systems and procedures to work safely and efficiently.
Develop the behavioural skills to be a great team member.
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.
Candidates with an existing Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics may also be considered for the Level 4 qualification.
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.
Closing Date
The closing date for this job offer is on 05/04/2026
Salary
£27,000 per annum
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.
