Job Description

Location

Cookstown, County Tyrone

Company

Sofina Foods

Hours of Work

Full-time

The Ideal Candidate

• 6 GCSEs at grades A* - C including English and preferably Grade B in Mathematics or equivalent.
• Customer-focused Understands that every function is interconnected and recognises the importance of delivering excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• Knowledgeable and practical Able to think on their feet and work safely, both independently and as part of a team, to help keep the business running effectively.
• Determined to succeed Resilient in the face of challenges, with an initiative-taking attitude toward problem-solving and teamwork.
• A true collaborator Capable of working collaboratively across various departments, functions, and roles within the business.
• Flexible and adaptable Willing and able to adjust quickly in response to the fast-paced and ever-changing demands of the food industry.
• Eager to learn Shows a genuine interest in personal development, gaining insight into the business, and learning more about the food manufacturing industry.
• Driven and enthusiastic Has a clear passion for engineering and a desire to continually grow, improve, and set personal goals.
• An effective communicator Possesses effective communication skills and can build positive relationships, while maintaining professionalism and diplomacy in all interactions.

Company Information

Sofina Foods isn't just a food company - It’s a place to build your future.

With a team of over 13,000 people across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, we're passionate about delivering quality meats and seafood products to consumers around the world.
Join a company where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do. At Sofina, you’ll grow your skills, make a real impact, and work with responsibly sourced products from more than 50 protein sources across five continents.

Our vision is bold: to be the most successful food company in the world. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the food industry, there’s a place for you at Sofina Foods.

Country Code

GB

Why Sofina Foods?

At Sofina, there is no limit to what you can achieve. Our apprenticeship programme is just the beginning of a journey that can take you as far as your ambition, commitment, and passion will allow. Many of our leaders began their careers as apprentices—and the path to senior roles, including Director level, is open to those who continually learn, grow, and contribute to our success.

With the right mindset and support, your apprenticeship is not just a job—it is the foundation for a long, rewarding, and dynamic career.

AdRef

INDPOP

Salary

Competitive Rates

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Your Key Responsibilities

Year 1 Apprentices:

Typical Activities:
Attend college in accordance with your programme schedule:
This may vary from 1–5 days per week, depending on whether your apprenticeship follows day release, block release, or a full-time first-year college model.
During college holidays:
You are expected to attend the site unless pre-arranged leave is approved by your manager.

Subjects Typically Covered:
Basics of mechanical and electrical maintenance
Fabrication and welding
Electrical wiring, installation, and testing
Bench fitting
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
Advanced maths and science (as required)

On-Site Supervised Activities:
Observe breakdown responses and learn how problems are diagnosed and resolved to maintain production flow.
Observe daily maintenance of:
Slicing machines
Packaging machines
Retail machines, including labellers, pneumatics, nitrogen equipment, air blasts, and steam cookers.
Vacuum packing machines, vacuum pumps, and film over-wrapping machines.
Support the hygienic strip-down and supervised rebuild of machinery.
Learn the basics of maintaining and servicing temperature control equipment.

Professional Conduct:
Always function as a site ambassador, behaving professionally and courteously with both internal and external stakeholders.

Recognition:
Achievements such as “Apprentice of the Year” will be acknowledged and rewarded by the company.

At Sofina, there is no limit to what you can achieve. Our Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship Programme is just the beginning of a journey that can take you as far as your ambition, commitment, and passion will allow.