Apprentice Production Operative

We are looking for an apprentice to join us in our market-leading food manufacturing team. The Dalesman Group have been operating for over 45 years, creating seasonings, spice blends, glazes and fine food ingredients for the meat, bakery and retail industries. You’ll join a dedicated team committed to quality, innovation and outstanding customer service. This is a great opportunity to enter the food manufacturing sector with a respected and leading organisation.

The successful candidate will spend 2 full working days per month on apprenticeship work with Plumpton College.

Hours: 40 hours per week, rotational shifts ranging from:

• Monday to Friday – 6:30am – 3:00pm.
• Monday to Thursday – 8:50am – 5:20pm
• Friday – 8:00am 04:30pm

Salary: £26,507.98 per annum

Location: Bradford, BD5 8HW

Application Deadline: 16th October 2026

About the Employer

The Dalesman Group is a food manufacturer of spice blends and glazes specialising in quality food. We have remained at the forefront of manufacturing the finest selection of seasonings, fine food ingredients, culinary and functional blends that have inspired taste and helped engage the nation’s passion for flavourful food for over 45 years. Dalesman continues to seek growth opportunities through a number of exciting plans with inward investment playing a key part in our business development.

What will the apprentice be doing?

Day to day tasks will vary, but will include:

• Assisting with the day-to day activities in the Production area ensuring the safety, legality and quality of our products at all times
• Carrying out tasks delegated by Production Leadership Team.
• Following ‘Factory Rules’ guidelines at all times.
• Following instructions on computer touch screens and signage in place around the building.
• Following operating instructions of machinery/ equipment.
• Carrying out required cleaning on machinery/ equipment as and when required.
• Aiming to be ‘trained in everything’ and as a minimum, trained in any area deemed appropriate by Production Leadership Team.
• Achieving or bettering company targets set out on production lines/ processes.
• Assisting with stocktakes.
• Maintaining the highest hygiene and housekeeping standards and good manufacturing practices to ensure a clean and safe working environment.
• Reporting any defects of machinery and/ or equipment to the Maintenance & Production Leadership Team.
• Driving company forklift truck and motorised pallet trucks.
• Contributing to a safe working environment by reporting issues and completing incident report forms.
• Working proactively with other departments to achieve business objectives.
• Leading/ assisting with the training/ learning of other operatives as and when required.
• Adhering to procedural training set out in the QMS (Quality Management System)
• Contributing to a Continuous Improvement working environment

What apprentices will learn

By the end of the programme, you’ll have a strong understanding of:

• A holistic view on how modern food and drink businesses operate
• Safe handling, processing and storage of frozen food
• Quality assurance and product standards
• Recording and monitoring data
• Stock requirements. Control systems. Stock rotation.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). What they are and why they are important.
• Characteristics and properties of food and drink products: ambient, frozen, fresh, chilled, confectionery, liquid. Handling requirements. Effects of external influences.
• Characteristics and properties of food and drink products: ambient, frozen, fresh, chilled, confectionery, liquid. Handling requirements. Effects of external influences.
• Maintaining equipment and work areas
• Environment and sustainability. Types of pollution and control measures: noise, smells, spills, and waste. Efficient use of resources. Waste reduction and waste streams. Recycling.
• Effective communication and teamwork

Desired Skills & Qualities

• Communication Skills
• Organisation Skills
• Detail Oriented
• Team Working
• Initiative
• Non-judgemental
• Patience
• Physical Fitness
• Number Skills
• Problem Solving
• Punctual
• Motivated

Required Qualification

Maths & English at grade 4/C or above is required.

Benefits

Free & Onsite Parking, Continuous Development within the role and Employee Assistance Program

Things to consider

• Due to the location of the site, candidates should ensure they can reliably commute to work
• You MUST not be in any other form of full-time or part time formal education (such as school, college or university) to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. Shorter course may not apply.
• You MUST have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and be eligible to work in the UK.
• You MUST be located in an area local to the apprenticeship or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study.

Pay: £26,507.98 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Will you be reliably able to commute to the work location?
• Why do you wish to enter into this sector?

Work Location: In person