Brief overview of the role
As a Project Engineering Apprentice, you will complete a structured Level 6-degree apprenticeship designed to develop highly capable project engineers within the food manufacturing and packaging sector. The programme provides a strong foundation in core engineering principles, project delivery, and systems integration, before progressing into the practical application of engineering solutions on Ishida projects.
You will support the planning, coordination, and delivery of customer projects across the EMEA region, gaining hands-on experience in engineering design, installation, commissioning, and stakeholder collaboration. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop the technical, commercial, and project management skills required to progress into a professional Project Engineer role.
Vacancy Description
We are seeking to employ and train a Project Engineering Apprentice through a Level 6 advanced apprenticeship.
As a Project Engineering Apprentice at Ishida Europe, you will join a structured Level 6-degree apprenticeship programme designed to develop the next generation of highly skilled engineers in the food manufacturing, weighing, inspection, and packaging automation sector.
You will play an active role in supporting the planning, coordination, and delivery of customer projects across the EMEA region. You will gain hands on experience in engineering design, equipment integration, installation, commissioning, and cross functional collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and customers. Over the course of the apprenticeship, you will build the technical, commercial, and project management capabilities required to progress into a fully competent Project Engineer within Ishida Europe.
The programme follows a structured four-year development plan, combining university study with rotational placements and increasing responsibility across engineering, manufacturing, and project delivery functions.
- Your training and development will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to:
- Provide technical input and risk awareness to support sales proposals and customer solutions.
- Produce system layout drawings, 3D/2D CAD models, and other technical documentation required throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support the creation of engineering specifications for bought-out equipment, sub-systems, and specialist work packages.
- Assist with supplier engagement, procurement activities, and pre-delivery inspections of bought-out equipment.
- Work collaboratively with design, safety, and compliance teams to ensure all engineering solutions meet relevant technical standards and statutory regulations within the food industry (e.g., Machinery Directive, PUWER, CE/UKCA, EHEDG requirements).
Your apprenticeship Journey:
- In year 1, you will spend the majority of your time at BMET, mastering engineering fundamentals, both theoretical and practical with time back at Ishida to consolidate your learning.
- Following year 1, you will spend 1 day a week studying and the rest of your time at Ishida, rotating through structured placements across the business to develop a broad understanding of our products, services and engineering capabilities.
- During years 3 and 4, you will spend one day a week studying the degree part of your apprenticeship at Birmingham City University (BCU).
- You will have the opportunity to work on real world challenges, where you will see how your contributions can make a positive impact on the business.
- Your work will see you involved in anything from customer and supplier visits, factory acceptance testing, installations and site acceptance testing project tasks, to name a few.
- You will have a dedicated work mentor with planned regular reviews to support your progression.
- The type of working environment is one of “Teamwork” where collaboration, engagement, positive challenges where the individual can demonstrate their skills and abilities to make a difference
Working week - Mon - Thu: 0830am-1700 & Fri: 0830-1630 / Total hours per week 38.25
Course Duration - 42 months
About Ishida
Ishida a world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of weighing and packing line solutions, Ishida has an in-depth understanding of many diverse industries – from meat to confectionery, from snacks to frozen food and more. Ishida Europe has its headquarters in Birmingham, UK, and serves Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). We have wholly owned Ishida sales companies in 9 countries, and committed, experienced agents and distributors in a further 15 countries. Innovative weighing and packaging equipment plus complete line solutions for these territories are developed and constructed in our UK manufacturing facility.
Our people:
The wealth of knowledge and experience of Ishida personnel enables manufacturers to benefit from the best solutions to improve their weighing and packing operations. This allows customers to focus on their own business, while we focus on solving their challenges.
Our innovations:
Ishida Europe uses know-how, creativity and state-of-the art technology to develop weighing and packing solutions enabling our customers to stay ahead. We aim for continuous technical improvement - from our revolutionary multi-head weighers and check weighers to our latest innovations such as the tray sealers and case packing systems.
Requirements and prospects
Required Qualifications
- Essential - 5 GCSEs at 9 – 4 / A* - C (5 or above preferred), must include maths, English and Science, or equivalent related qualifications.
- Essential – A-Level or equivalent in Maths and Science.
Skills
- Ability to learn technical concepts – comfortable learning and applying new ideas in maths, science and engineering.
- Logical thinking – able to break problems down, follow structured processes and work through solutions methodically.
- Attention to accuracy – able to follow instructions carefully and recognise when work needs to be checked or clarified.
- Time management – able to balance work and study commitments over a demanding, long-term programme.
- Written and verbal communication – able to communicate clearly with colleagues, trainers and mentors.
- Digital confidence – comfortable using IT systems, software and online learning platforms.
Personal qualities
- You will be hard working, enthusiastic with excellent interpersonal skills
- You will need to be diligent with a positive attitude to work and study
- Accountability – personal responsibility
- Commitment - don’t give up when things get tough
- Cooperation – to be a team player
- Excellence – set high standards and strive to meet them
- Innovation – look for ways to do your job better
- Integrity – tell the truth and treat others with respect
- You must be able to demonstrate a passion for engineering combined with a desire to start your career through an apprenticeship.
Future prospects
On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will be well positioned to progress into a permeant engineering role within Ishida, typically within Technical Projects or a related engineering discipline.
This may include:
- A structured technical career pathway, allowing you to deepen your expertise and take on increasingly complex design responsibility
- Opportunities to progress into senior technical, project or specialist engineering roles
- Longer-term progression into people leadership or management roles for those who wish to develop in that direction
Things to consider
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with company standards and to participate in learning and development activities relevant to their role. Ishida Europe is committed to providing structured development opportunities that support the progressive build-up of skills, knowledge and experience.
Apprentices at Ishida Europe will be eligible for annual salary increases throughout the four-year apprenticeship programme, subject to the achievement of defined learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices are expected to move into their designated roles, with remuneration reviewed and set in line with the responsibilities and requirements of the position.
Do you know anyone that might be interested in this opportunity? Applications can be made using the link in the email.
Applications should be submitted by the close of 1 March 2026
