Job Description

Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.
At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.
Culture
Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working to-wards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.
Equal Opportunities
The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship based workspace.
Benefits
In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.
Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship Programme
Dunmanbridge - (Cookstown)
Dale Farm is owned by 1,300 UK farmers. We supply a wide range of dairy products, including cheese, butter, dairy spreads, fresh milk and ice cream to consumers and as food ingredients into the UK, Irish and international markets.
Core to our success is our people, and we now have an exciting opportunity within the Engineering team for 2 x Maintenance Engineering Apprentices.
The Role
Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship programme, you will gain the tools to respond to plant and equipment faults, fault diagnostic skills, ability to carry out planned maintenance, teamwork and communication skills and become a key driver in electrical and mechanical manufacturing efficiencies. You will develop skills and experience in electrical engineering, mechanical systems, digital software systems, environmental technologies, refrigeration, and heat?pump technology. You will learn to apply problem?solving techniques while being supported and guided by an experienced engineering team, with opportunities to put theory into practice on site.
The Apprenticeship
You will have the opportunity to work towards an NVQ L3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer Apprentice Programme, with a local college (e.g. Dungannon SWC) This is a 3-year Programme, with the potential to progress to a Higher Level Apprenticeship, equivalent to a Foundation Degree.
What we are looking for:

• Total of 16 points at GCSE level inclusive of A-C in English, Mathematics & ICT (or equivalent)
• Essential Skills Level 2 in Literacy & Numeracy) is desirable
• Have good electrical/mechanical aptitude demonstrated through school activities/hobbies/ interests
• A good work ethic with an interest and passion about starting a career in Engineering
• A passion for the food industry and a desire to learn
• Problem solving
• Self-motivated, good attendance and punctual
• Good communication skills with the ability to communicate across all levels
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Awareness of MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook etc)
• Full clean driving licence, as role involves daily driving to site and college.
• Right to work in the UK (Sponsorship is not available)

These roles offer:

• An attractive salary package.
• Pension and life assurance.
• Excellent opportunities for personal development and further career advancement.

To learn more about the company and to apply online visit our website dalefarm.co.uk/careers
Completed applications must be received before 5pm on Saturday 28th February 2026.

Skills Required