Kepak Engineering Graduate Programme 2025 - Wales

We are seeking to recruit for the 2025 Engineering Graduate Programme based at our McIntosh Donald site in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. We are looking for people who have, or will soon have, graduated with an Honours Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering.

Role Purpose

The Graduate Scheme is designed to provide an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates with a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering to gain hands-on experience across our site in maintaining our equipment and machinery as well as working on various projects onsite. This role will expose graduates to the entire project management lifecycle, from initial concept and design to budget management and implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the ongoing maintenance of the equipment and machinery that we use onsite to produce our products
• Assist in the project management of diverse initiatives across the site, including electrical installations, mechanical setups, and process improvements.
• Participate in the design and selection processes for equipment, ensuring specifications meet operational requirements.
• Work closely with senior engineers to understand the projects scope, timelines, and deliverables.
• Engage in budgeting, financial tracking, and resource allocation for ongoing projects.
• Provide regular feedback and updates to the project management team, contributing to continuous improvement efforts.
• Learn and adhere to the company’s quality standards, ensuring all project outcomes positively impact the final product.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the business processes, from production to safety and hygiene, to ensure projects align with company standards.

Key Competencies

• Problem Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively within a large team, fostering a supportive and cooperative working environment.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; able to work cross-functionally and at various levels of the organization.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in record-keeping and quality assurance.
• Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload under pressure.

Other Role Information

• The role offers significant opportunities for progression, depending on the individual's background, interests, and where they excel within the department.
• This is a highly varied environment, and graduates will experience a steep learning curve as they are exposed to multiple disciplines within the company.
• The company is committed to providing a structured pathway, with tailored project involvement to align with the graduate’s strengths and career aspirations.
• Adaptability in work hours, including weekends, may be required based on project needs. Willingness to travel extensively within the UK and Ireland as required.

You can expect:

• To be fully immersed into our Culture from day 1, working alongside key industry experts and Kepak leaders.
• Learn how engineering projects are delivered for the business, as efficiently as possible
• Support the planning & delivery of both large- and small-scale projects, across both divisions of the business
• Develop solid working relationships with site engineering teams, supporting them in delivering their strategy
• Gain an in depth understanding of our brands and products, and our relationships with customers and consumers
• To learn key aspects of our business, whilst you develop your skills and knowledge
• The opportunity to develop personally and professionally through exposure to key projects, tasks and development activities that challenge you, all supported by a detailed learner journey and training plan
• A dedicated mentor and development program to support you both on the programme and into a role that best matches your skills

Requirements

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for hardworking and ambitious Graduates, who want to learn and grow in a challenging and fast paced environment, by performing real roles as part of your rotations.

You must be willing to travel throughout the programme to undertake development activities at any of our sites in the UK and Ireland.

We will only consider undergraduates with a Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Educational Background: A degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering is essential.
• Experience: Some prior engineering experience, whether through internships or work placements, is desirable but not mandatory.
• Industry Knowledge: A keen interest in project management within the engineering field, with a realistic ambition to grow into a project management role.
• Skills: Understanding of the principles of mechanical and electrical systems, with the ability to apply this knowledge to practical situations.
• Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly in Excel and Project Management tools.
• Possesses a valid driving license and is prepared for the adjustments needed in the role.

Personal Attributes

• Analytical and Methodical: Approach tasks with an organized and systematic mindset, ensuring thorough analysis and attention to detail.
• Confidence & Assertiveness: Able to communicate assertively and stand their ground when addressing quality issues while maintaining amicable relationships with colleagues.

We will be looking for alignment with our Core Values:

• Responsibility – Ability to work on your own initiative and take accountability for your actions
• Ambition – You will have the willingness and confidence to challenge yourself to be the best you can be and be driven to succeed
• Passion for Food – this is at the heart of everything we do, you must be passionate about every aspect of our industry
• Teamwork – ability to build positive relationships quickly with people from all cultures and career stages is pivotal

Benefits

• Employee Discount Scheme
• Service-Related Annual Leave
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Educational Assistance/ L&D
• Discounted Meat Products
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme