Apprentice Technical Operator

Job Description

Apprentice Technical Operator Level 3 – Food and Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship

Salary: £20,000 in year one, rising to £26,000 in year two, plus shift allowance & benefits listed below!
Function: Supply Chain
Location: Hereford
Contract: 30-month fixed-term apprenticeship
Closing date: 9th March 2026 (may close early)
Start date: Tuesday, 1st September 2026

As a major player in the international drinks industry and home to around 2,400 pubs across the UK, we’re a place where passion meets purpose, careers are crafted with care and enjoyment of life is part of the job.

We’re now recruiting an Apprentice Technical Operator to join our Hereford Brewery. This opportunity is ideal for those completing formal education or seeking a career change, offering the chance to gain practical workplace experience while achieving an externally recognised Level 3 qualification with a global organisation.

About the role

The Food and Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship is based at our Herefordshire Brewery within the Packaging team. You’ll support the brewing and packaging of our products while developing technical expertise in operating machinery, diagnosing faults and carrying out basic maintenance.

Alongside hands-on experience, you’ll learn about continuous improvement, food safety and quality assurance. You’ll take ownership of production processes and help ensure efficient, safe and compliant operations. From day one, you will receive structured support, guidance and development within a friendly and inclusive environment.

Key responsibilities

• Attend required college release blocks, complete apprenticeship assignments and participate in performance reviews to maintain a high level of academic performance.
• Embrace and champion strong safety culture, ensuring the safety of yourself and others.
• Control manufacturing processes through equipment or process operation, frontline fault diagnosis and resolution, asset care, and basic maintenance tasks.
• Learn and apply quality assurance and food safety practices across all manufacturing processes to ensure our products are food safe and compliant.
• Work as part of a wider team to manufacture safe and compliant products to meet deadlines, achieve productivity, efficiency, hygiene and environmental requirements whilst ensuring health and safety remains everyone's top priority.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking motivated people who are safety-focused and keen to develop a long-term career in manufacturing.

You should have:

• Five GCSEs at Level 4 or equivalent, including Maths at Level 6 and English at Level 4.
• The right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• UK residency for at least three years by 1 September 2026.
• Be aged 18 or over by 1 September 2026.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Flexibility to work 12-hour shifts on a rotating day and night pattern.
• An interest in developing technical and manufacturing skills.

Why join us?

Our people shape the future of our business. From day one, you’ll be supported, included and backed with trust to deliver. This is an exciting time to join as we continue to innovate, invest in communities and build a more sustainable future.

It’s a brilliant time to join as we continue to innovate, invest in communities, and work towards a more sustainable future. We’re known for all the right reasons - strong ideas, fresh ways of thinking and doing, and being right at the heart of the action, from global sport in F1 & UEFA Women’s Champions League, to major cultural moments. Be part of what’s next.

We offer strong development opportunities, ongoing learning, and the chance to build a meaningful career within a well-established organisation.

Benefits

• £20,000 starting salary with shift allowance circa £4,000 per year - starting when shift work begins
• Double-matched pension scheme
• Accommodation costs fully funded when at college
• Food allowance during college blocks
• Hands-on training and development
• Access to colleague networks supporting inclusion and diversity

Please note: Rewards and benefits can vary from role to role. Some benefits are taxable and may be based on employee contributions. We’re happy to discuss further throughout the application process.

Application process

To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter – without a cover letter, applications will not be accepted. We are committed to communicating responsibly, which means our careers site can only be accessed by adults aged 18 and above.

If at the time of applying you are aged under 18, please ask for help from a parent or legal guardian to access our site, navigate to this vacancy and support you in completing your application.

We've put together a few tips to get you started for your covering letter:

• Why would you be great for the role?
• Why do you want to join HEINEKEN as an apprentice?
• Tell us what sets you apart from other applicants?
• Try to write no more than five paragraphs.
• Try not to repeat what you’ve included in your CV.

If adjustments are required to support your application, please contact recruitment@heineken.co.uk. We’re more than happy to make any adjustments that will help bring out your best self.

We've more than 150 years of brewing history and are proud of this legacy. Yet we're sure our best days are ahead of us. Every one of our colleagues has a role to play as we dream big, set bold ambitions and push the boundaries.

Apply today to discover Your Future, Untapped.