Specification Technician Apprentice

Technical Apprentice - Supply Chain Assurance

Department: Supply Chain Assurance (Technical)
Location: Craigavon
Reporting to: Technical Manager - Supply Integrity

About the Role

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Technical Apprentice to join our Supply Chain Assurance team at Pilgrim's Europe.

This is a 3-year Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Food & Drink Manufacture (delivered through CAFRE - Loughry Campus), combining hands-on experience with academic learning. You'll gain broad, practical exposure across multiple technical functions, building the skills and knowledge needed to progress into a technical career within the business.

By the end of the programme, you'll be well-prepared to move into a permanent role in areas such as Supply Chain Assurance, Raw Materials or Product Specifications.

What You'll Be Doing

Year 1 - Raw Materials

• Learn about customer and legal requirements for raw materials
• Review supplier ingredient specifications using internal systems (Smile)
• Work with suppliers to gather and validate information
• Analyse data and support compliance processes

Year 2 - Supply Assurance

• Support supplier approval processes and maintain documentation
• Use systems such as Foods Connected and Smile
• Participate in supplier audits and site visits
• Assist with supplier performance monitoring and reporting

Year 3 - Product Specifications

• Review and update product specifications
• Progress to creating full specifications for customers
• Review and approve packaging artwork
• Support final product compliance and accuracy

Development & Secondments

• Complete short placements across the business, including:
  • Microbiology lab
  • Factory operations
  • New Product Development (NPD)
• Support wider team activities and gain exposure to different technical areas

Apprenticeship Programme

• Complete the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Food & Drink Manufacture
• Attend all teaching weeks at CAFRE (Loughry)
• Complete coursework and assignments on time

What Success Looks Like

• Strong performance across all placements
• Successful completion of apprenticeship exams and coursework
• Clear development of technical understanding and practical skills
• Readiness to step into a permanent technical role

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Meet entry requirements for the Level 5 HLA:
  • 2 A-Levels (or equivalent)
  • Minimum 3 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) including English, Maths and a Science subject
• A genuine interest in food manufacturing and the food industry
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated, organised and proactive
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Desirable

• Previous work experience, particularly in manufacturing or food environments
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel to different sites

Values & Behaviours

Demonstrates ownership, curiosity and determination, with a practical and collaborative approach to learning and delivering results.

Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?

• Gain a recognised qualification while earning and learning
• Build real-world experience across multiple technical functions
• Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment
• Develop skills that lead to long-term career opportunities
• Be part of a leading food business with strong career progression pathways

Ready to Start Your Career?

If you're motivated to learn, curious about food manufacturing and ready to build a career in technical roles, this is a fantastic opportunity to get started.

Apply now and begin your journey with Pilgrim's Europe as a Technical Apprentice in Supply Chain Assurance.

The company

Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.

Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.

Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.

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