Apprentice Land Based Engineer

Summary

To undertake the key operations at a farm-based biogas plant, feeding the plant and taking daily records and checks. Maintaining machinery at the plant and other operational tasks on the linked arable farm. Collecting manure feedstocks from neighbouring farms. Drying the digestate fibre, loading and distributing. Learn about renewable energy.

Annual wage: £16,380 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Land-based service engineering technician (level 3)
Hours: At least 30 hours per week. Minimum of 2 weeks/ month to be worked. Days and shifts to be confirmed.
30 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 2 December
Duration: 3 years
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

To load the plant with the required feedstocks of the ration using a large loading shovel.
To check the operating process, recording output and other data points and, as and where necessary, adjusting the input feed, controls of the plant, its mixing system and CHP engine to maintain performance and optimize the plant’s output.
Support drier operations at the plant by loading and unloading digestate fibre or other products via the drier and periodic out-loading to bulk lorries and other packaging units for the end users.
Out-loading of grain lorries on the linked arable farm and other field operations during harvest and cultivation periods as required.
Repair technologically advanced machinery and equipment which typically may include; power units, power trains, plant, machinery, equipment and their components.
Carry out a risk assessment, identify risks and implement a plan to reduce hazard.

Where you’ll work

MERRIVALE FARM

PLUNGAR

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NG13 0JE

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE SMB GROUP

Your training course

Land-based service engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Interpret technical data, documentation and operational conditions, and apply in line with the technician’s role.
Interpret and respect safety procedure requirements, undertake risk assessment and mitigation measures to safeguard, bystanders, the general public, property and livestock.
To communicate with and gather information from colleagues and customers employing a range of techniques as appropriate to the audience. This includes explaining technical matters in straight forward terms and asking questions to gather the information required to perform an efficient diagnosis.
Demonstrate professional customer care practices as an individual and team member. This includes; presentation of oneself, the work area, the company’s vehicle and equipment. treating customers and colleagues with respect and courtesy, supporting work colleagues, the company and its products and services
Install and handover machinery, plant and equipment, explaining its safe operation, maintenance and warranty requirements, verification of optimum performance and the completion of handover documentation
Conduct advanced maintenance, and the repair of technologically advanced machinery and equipment which typically may include; power units, power trains, plant, machinery, equipment and their components
Carry out diagnostics, repairs and re-instatement of complex products and verify conformity to manufacturer’s specification.
Compile technical reports, repair proposals, quotations and incident reports
Maintain and repair complex hydraulic systems and their components as appropriate to the sector.
Maintain, interrogate, calibrate and repair electronic equipment and systems
Minimise machinery, plant and equipment downtime by carrying out diagnostic and preventative maintenance efficiently and effectively.

Your training plan

On-the-job training
Off-the-job training
Level 3 Land-based Service Engineer

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4/C)
Maths (grade 4/C)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Analytical skills
Team working
Observant
Diligent

Other requirements

No public transport so own car would be preferable. Maybe long hours eg at harvest time

About this company

Merrivale Energy is a farm-based renewable energy generator, producing low carbon electricity and heat from a biogas plant. Anaerobic digestion (also known as “AD”) sits at the heart of the circular economy, treating food waste, sewage, and agricultural wastes, including manures and slurries, to create valuable products

After this apprenticeship

Full time position available when apprenticeship is finished
Growing business and other opportunities may be available for the right individual

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE SMB GROUP

Apprenticeships Department

apprenticeships@smbgroup.ac.uk

01530519001

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000276493.

Apply now

Closes in 8 days (Friday 29 November at 11:59pm)

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