Job Description

Are you ready to earn while you learn and become a multiskilled engineer at a cutting-edge dairy site?

Across four years, you’ll combine hands-on experience with classroom learning, keeping our technology running and helping deliver household-favourite products, while building a career‑defining skill set.

How You Will Make an Impact

Embark on a four-year engineering apprenticeship at Arla’s Taw Valley site, working alongside a team of skilled engineers to maintain, repair and install machinery that powers our production. When issues arise, you’ll be the problem-solver who keeps lines running and our products flowing, from Cravendale milk to Skyr yoghurt and Anchor butter. Your learning is delivered in structured blocks with Kirklees Collage, blending practical and classroom training.

* Carry out maintenance, repairs and installations across automated production equipment

* Support root-cause problem solving and continuous improvement to reduce downtime

* Apply safety-first practices while developing hands-on technical capability

* Build knowledge across processing, packaging and utilities systems

* Progress through structured college blocks and on-site training to achieve qualifications

What Will Make You Successful

You’re 18 or over by September 2026 and ready for a hands-on role, bringing a solid educational foundation with at least five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including Maths and English (or the Scottish equivalent). You’re motivated to learn whether that’s picking up new skills on the job or sharpening your knowledge in the classroom.

A curious problem-solver at heart, you love figuring out how things work and fixing issues fast. You’re safety-conscious, a clear communicator, and a true team player who collaborates well. Organised and resilient, you can balance structured learning blocks with on-site responsibilities. When you apply, please list your qualifications clearly and include scanned copies of your certificates.

What Do We Offer?

Salary progression

– Year 1 £21,000 per annum

– Year 2 £25,484.71 per annum

– Year 3 £26,500 per annum

– Year 4 £27,500 per annum

You’ll enjoy a comprehensive rewards package, including 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, a pension with matched contributions up to 6%, and life assurance at four times your annual salary. You’ll have access to discounted products through our Staff Shop, and we’re committed to your training and development. Our flexible benefits let you buy up to five additional days of annual leave and unlock retailer discounts via the My Benefits platform. During study blocks with our education partners accommodation and expenses for food and travel are provided.

Programme structure and qualifications

• Year 1 19 weeks at college

• Year 2 10 weeks at college

• Year 3 15 weeks at college

• Year 4 Fully based at site

• Qualifications OAL Level 3 in Food & Drink Engineering Maintenance; Level 3 Health & Safety Award; 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Certificate

Would You Like to Join Us?

If this position is of interest, please apply directly via our careers page with your CV and your proof of GCSE certificates.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about