Apprentice Installation Engineer for Agricultural Robotic Milking and Feeding Equipment

Petroc; Yeoford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural services provider is seeking an Apprentice Installation Engineer for robotic milking and feeding equipment in Yeoford, England. The role offers practical training alongside experienced engineers with benefits including a pension scheme and opportunities for further development. Ideal candidates will possess GCSEs in English and Maths, with strong logical thinking and initiative skills. The apprenticeship lasts 3 years and starts in September 2026.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Above Average rates of pay

Tools Provided

Uniform

Opportunities for further development

Flexible working hours and holidays

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths required; other relevant qualifications can be shared.
• Willingness to learn and problem solve.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing installation sites and unpacking equipment.
• Safely handle, assemble, and install equipment and control panels.
• Manufacture equipment ready for installation and manage van stock.
• Engage in specialist training for further skill development.

Skills

Logical

Initiative

Education

GCSE in English and Maths (grade 4 or above)

Job description

Apprentice Installation Engineer For Agricultural Robotic Milking and Feeding Equipment

We install market‑leading robotic milking and feeding equipment across the south of England. You will work alongside experienced engineers, gaining practical skills in electrical wiring and containment methods, pneumatic basics and fabrication. We are looking for someone who takes pride in what they do, is willing to learn and to problem solve.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Above Average rates of pay
• Tools Provided
• Uniform
• Opportunities for further development
• Flexible with working hours and holidays

Training course: Engineering fitter (level 3)

Hours: Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm. This may vary due to job location and there may be some staying away required. 40 hours a week.

Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration: 3 years 6 months

Reference code: VAC1000336735

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

What you’ll do at work

The day‑to‑day responsibilities for the apprentice are:

• Site Preparation: Assist in preparing installation sites, unpacking, inspecting and organising equipment
• Installation: Safely handle the equipment into location, assemble equipment and control panels, fabricate and install bespoke containment systems, run pipe work and electrical and data circuits, terminate and test connections ready for commissioning
• Workshop: Manufacture equipment ready for installation, ensure materials are stocked or ordered if necessary, assist in organising van stock
• Work in a workshop based in Crediton, Devon and also cover areas in the south of England

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• Reading, interpreting and understanding component or assembly specifications, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
• Planning component or assembly tasks – materials, tools and equipment.
• Preparing work area for component or assembly tasks; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
• Carrying out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and knowing how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
• Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
• Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting components or assemblies – using micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeters.
• Problem solving; analysing issues and fixing them where appropriate.
• Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
• Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
• Completing component or assembly documentation – e.g., job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
• Reporting work outcomes or issues.
• Restoring the work area on completion of activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and housekeeping.
• Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; recycling, re‑using where appropriate.
• Operating within limits of responsibility.
• Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.
• As well as the experience gained onsite using such a variety of skills, you will complete Level 3 Engineering Fitter – a one‑day‑a‑week training course, run by Petroc College on their North Devon Campus.
• If the applicant is successful, they will be employed by the company and then start the apprenticeship training in September 2026.

Requirements

GCSE in English and Maths (grade 4 or above). Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Logical
• Initiative

About this employer

Tarka Agricultural Services installs market leading robotic milking and feeding equipment to the dairy industry. We work to a very high standard ensuring each installation meets the technical requirements and is completed on time.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long‑term health condition. This includes non‑visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

• Once qualified you will likely be carrying out and leading installations independently or in a team

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 30 June 2026

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