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Apprenticeship · Level 3
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Apprentice Design Engineer

Warburtons
£21,500
Bolton

Expected closing date: Thursday, 31 December 2026

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TL;DR

Key Takeaways

  • Four-year Engineering Apprenticeship to become a Design Engineer.
  • Starting salary of £21,500, increasing annually, with tuition and accommodation fees paid.
  • Achieve a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Requires five GCSEs (including Maths at Level 5+) and a passion for engineering.
  • Applications close in December 2026.

About the Role

About the Apprenticeship

Warburtons is looking for Engineering Apprentices to join their team at their Bolton Head Office. This four-year apprenticeship offers training, qualifications, and hands-on experience to become a Design Engineer, with a salary provided from day one. Tuition fees and first-year accommodation costs will be covered.

Your Apprenticeship Journey

  • Year 1: Full-time residential program with Midland Group Training Services (MGTS) in Coventry, with accommodation provided.
  • Years 2-4: Development of skills back at Warburtons, combining hands-on experience with further training and mentorship.

What You'll Gain:

  • Hands-on experience in engineering design and health & safety.
  • Skills to support business goals through effective engineering solutions.
  • Knowledge of industry standards for safe, efficient, and hygienic design.
  • Experience ensuring designs meet quality, food safety, and legal requirements.

What You'll Achieve

Upon successful completion, you will achieve a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, with the skills and experience to begin your career as a qualified Design Engineer at Warburtons. Opportunities for further development exist in areas such as Engineering Management and Project Engineering.

Benefits

  • £21,500 starting salary, increasing each year.
  • Tuition fees paid.
  • First-year accommodation paid.
  • 25 days' paid holiday.
  • Structured four-year development programme.
  • Dedicated Warburtons mentor.
  • Development and 1-to-1 training.
  • Opportunity to learn alongside a national group of apprentices.
  • Hands-on experience with automation and modern engineering technology.
  • Life assurance.
  • Award-winning contributory pension scheme.
  • Discounted gym membership.
  • Retail vouchers and online shopping offers, including discounts on Warburtons products.
  • Site social events, charity days and wellbeing initiatives.
  • 24/7 confidential wellbeing support and occupational health services.
  • New starter goodie box.

Essential Requirements

  • Be 18 or over by 1 September 2027.
  • Achieved five GCSEs or equivalent, including:
    • Level 5 or above in Maths
    • Level 4 or above in English
    • Level 4 or above in either Science or ICT
  • Comfortable working flexibly, including shifts, weekends, and evenings from year three onwards.
  • Enjoy solving problems logically.
  • Committed to completing the full four-year programme.
  • Communicate confidently and work well with others.
  • Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Application Process

  • Applications close: December 2026
  • Shortlisted candidates contacted: January 2027
  • Assessment Day: March 2027
  • Offers made: March/April 2027
  • Your Warburtons journey begins: Mid to late August 2027