Apprentice - Mechanical Engineer (level 4)

Ball Corporation
Wakefield
1 week ago
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Further your career at Ball, a world leader in manufacturing sustainable aluminium packaging. Achieve extraordinary things when you join our team, and make a difference in your professional development, the community, and around the globe!


Ball is thrilled to receive Newsweek's 2023 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplace award! As a sustainable product leader, we have over 16,000 global team members. From endlessly recyclable aluminium cans, and cups, to aerosol bottles, our goal is to contribute to a better community, society, and world.


Position Overview

Ball Beverage Packaging is recruiting a Level 4 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice to join our advanced aluminium can‑making facility. This programme is designed for individuals who want to develop higher‑level engineering skills while working hands‑on with high‑speed, precision manufacturing equipment. The role combines structured academic study with real engineering responsibility, supporting the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of our production lines.


You’ll report to the Technical Manager and receive full training and support throughout your apprenticeship.


What you’ll learn and do

  • Assist engineers with mechanical diagnostics, fault‑finding, and corrective maintenance on high‑speed can‑making machinery.
  • Support planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities, ensuring equipment reliability and uptime.
  • Learn to strip, rebuild, align, and commission mechanical assemblies.
  • Contribute to root‑cause analysis (RCA) and improvement projects aimed at reducing downtime and enhancing machine performance.
  • Use engineering drawings, measurement tools, and technical documentation to support maintenance tasks.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and follow Ball’s engineering standards and procedures.
  • Work safely at all times, following isolation procedures, risk assessments, and site safety rules.

What we’re looking for

  • GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English, and Science – Grade 4/C or above.
  • Eligibility to enrol on a Level 4 Engineering apprenticeship programme.
  • Willingness to work as part of a team or individually as required in a manufacturing environment.
  • A commitment to learning, both on the job and through college-based training.
  • Strong interest in mechanical engineering and problem‑solving.
  • Good analytical thinking and willingness to learn advanced technical concepts.
  • Practical mindset with confidence using tools and equipment.

What we offer

  • A structured Level 4 apprenticeship programme leading to a recognised engineering qualification.
  • Hands‑on experience with world‑class manufacturing technology and automation.
  • Mentoring from experienced engineers and opportunities to develop specialist skills.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • A clear pathway into engineering technician, reliability, or project engineering roles.
  • A supportive, safety‑focused culture where continuous improvement and innovation are valued.
  • Opportunities for career development and progression in the qualified engineering roles.

Ball Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively encourage applications from everybody, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, faith, ability, or orientation. When you join Ball you belong to a team of over 16,000 members worldwide. Our products range from infinitely recyclable aluminium cans, cups to aerosol bottles solutions that enable our customers to contribute to a better world.


Each of us has a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion which is the foundation of our culture of belonging. Everyone at Ball is making a difference by doing what we love. Because what we create may change, but what we will always make is a difference.


Please note the advertised job title might vary from the job title on the contract due to local job title structure and global HR systems.


No agencies please.


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