Careers

Vacancy Description
We are seeking a Machining Technician through a Level 3 apprenticeship programme.

As a Machining Apprentice, you will be trained to work in a modern manufacturing environment, producing precision-engineered components for world-leading food packaging machinery. You will learn how to operate CNC and manual machines, carry out inspections, and ensure all components meet Ishida’s high quality and safety standards.

The training and development you receive will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to:

• Set up and operate machine tools
• Read and interpret engineering drawings
• Measure and inspect components
• Work with metals and engineering materials
• Maintain high standards of quality and accuracy
• Follow safe working practices at all times

This will involve:

• In year 1, you will spend a minimum of 16 weeks at Make UK and the remaining time will be spent at Ishida further developing you’ll skills knowledge and abilities.
• In years 2 – 4, You will rotate through key machining and production areas, gaining experience in different machines, processes, and product types.
• Aligned to the apprentice programme there will be an Ishida development pathway to start your career in the manufacturing industry.
• Each apprentice will have a dedicated work mentor with planned regular reviews to support their progression.
• The range of tasks will cover setting and operating machine tools, producing precision components, inspecting finished parts, and carrying out rework or modifications to meet engineering specifications.
• The working environment is characterised by teamwork, emphasising collaboration, engagement, and constructive challenges, where individuals can showcase their skills and abilities to make a meaningful impact.

Working week - Monday - Friday: 7:00 – 15:00 / Total hours per week: 37.50

Course Duration - 42 months (excluding EPA assessment)

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

Desired Qualifications

• The apprenticeship programme lays the foundations of Manufacturing expertise using the qualifications gained using maths and science principles gained at GCSE or equivalents
• To be considered, you will a minimum of 4 GCSE at grade C/4 or equivalent, including mathematics, English and science.

Personal qualities

We value:

• 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

• By the end of your apprenticeship, you will be well-positioned to advance your career within Ishida. You may have access to various progression routes and opportunities, tailored to your skills, knowledge, abilities, and how you apply them within the business environment.
• Demonstrating the skills you have acquired throughout your apprenticeship along with your drive and determination could open up many exciting opportunities with the Ishida group

Things to consider

We expect all our employees to have high levels of commitment with a strong work ethic. At Ishida Europe, we enable our people to strive for success through continuous learning and development. This means that promising young employees have the chance to rise through the ranks quickly.

Ishida Apprentices will have annual salary increases throughout their 4 years of the apprenticeship programme, as learning objectives are met.

When you have successfully completed your apprenticeship programme, there is potential for you to move into a full-time designated role within Ishida.

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