Careers

About Ishida

Ishida a world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of weighing and packing line solutions, Ishida has an in-depth understanding of many diverse industries – from meat to confectionery, from snacks to frozen food and more. Ishida Europe has its headquarters in Birmingham, UK, and serves Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). We have wholly owned Ishida sales companies in 9 countries, and committed, experienced agents and distributors in a further 15 countries. Innovative weighing and packaging equipment plus complete line solutions for these territories are developed and constructed in our UK manufacturing facility.

Our people:
The wealth of knowledge and experience of Ishida personnel enables manufacturers to benefit from the best solutions to improve their weighing and packing operations. This allows customers to focus on their own business, while we focus on solving their challenges.

Our innovations:
Ishida Europe uses know-how, creativity and state-of-the art technology to develop weighing and packing solutions enabling our customers to stay ahead. We aim for continuous technical improvement - from our revolutionary multihead weighers and check weighers to our latest innovations such as the tray sealers and case packing systems.

Vacancy Description

We are looking to employ and develop two new apprentices within our Assembly department through the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard. You will be trained to support the mechanical build, rework and adaptation of our world-class inspection, weighing, and packaging machines used in the food industry.

As an Assembly Technician Apprentice, you will:

• Interpret and work from detailed engineering drawings and technical instructions.
• Assemble machine components using hand tools, pneumatic tools, and precision instruments.
• Prepare and maintain your work area and equipment, ensuring health and safety compliance.
• Work to high standards of build quality and attention to detail.
• Follow defined procedures to deliver machines built to time and specification.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by reporting issues and proposing solutions.

Training will include:

• A minimum 16-week residential programme in year one at Make UK (Birmingham), with continued development back at Ishida.
• Rotations through different production areas including sub-assembly, final assembly, and fast-track build.
• A tailored development pathway aligned with the apprenticeship programme and Ishida’s internal growth opportunities.
• Regular mentoring, reviews, and on-the-job learning with experienced colleagues.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills

• Basic understanding of mechanical principles and hand tools
• Willingness to learn and follow structured guidance
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Personal qualities

We value:

• Accountability – personal responsibility
• Commitment - don’t give up when things get tough
• Cooperation – to be a team player
• Excellence – set high standards and strive to meet them
• Innovation – look for ways to do your job better
• Integrity – tell the truth and treat others with respect

Desired qualifications

• Essential - 4 GCSEs at  Grade C/4 must include maths, english and science, or equivalent related qualification

Future prospects

On successful completion of the programme, apprentices may have the opportunity to progress within Ishida into more specialised or senior technical roles. The company encourages internal progression and will support further qualifications aligned to career growth and business needs.

Things to consider

We expect all our employees to have high levels of commitment with a strong work ethic. At Ishida Europe, we enable our people to strive for success through continuous learning and development. This means that promising young employees have the chance to rise through the ranks quickly.

Ishida Apprentices will have annual salary increases throughout their 4 years of the apprenticeship programme, as learning objectives are met.

When you have successfully completed your apprenticeship programme, there is potential for you to move into a full-time designated role within Ishida.