Mechatronics Engineering Apprentice Review
at Kanes Foods Ltd.
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Middle Littleton
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Training to become a mechatronics engineer involves communication, planning and a hands-on attitude.
Day to Day:
Boiler checks, Refrigeration Unit checks, look at the whiteboard to see which area of the factory needs help today.
Production Area:
Lots of fault-finding, critical and component-interaction based thinking. Replace sensors, find faulty electrical cables, find out any more issues from Line Managers. Track conveyor belts, take apart Line machines and replace motors, gearboxes or bespoke components. Fault find issues between X-ray machines, weigh-scales or metal detectors, configure settings for X-ray machine or metal detectors. Fabricate components in the workshop for a specific Line. Pneumatic machines often needs components replaced, we've had to build pneumatic machines from scratch. I've installed filters and pipework for water and sauces that the factory uses.
Industrial Area:
Boiler checks (water level, Total Dissolved Solids, water-softness, salt-bin levels, alarm checks, feed-pump checks). Refrigeration Unit checks (ensure the motors which power the Ammonia plant are running well and have decent oil levels, check wiring in the Panel Board and see that nothing has tripped, check the Glycol pumps, see if valves are flowing properly. Check on the Reverse Osmosis plant that no electrical components have tripped and the connected pumps are drawing water properly. You may have to liaise with contractors who manage other sections such as the water treatment plant. Normally something is broken or needs improving or needs monitoring.
Day to Day:
Boiler checks, Refrigeration Unit checks, look at the whiteboard to see which area of the factory needs help today.
Production Area:
Lots of fault-finding, critical and component-interaction based thinking. Replace sensors, find faulty electrical cables, find out any more issues from Line Managers. Track conveyor belts, take apart Line machines and replace motors, gearboxes or bespoke components. Fault find issues between X-ray machines, weigh-scales or metal detectors, configure settings for X-ray machine or metal detectors. Fabricate components in the workshop for a specific Line. Pneumatic machines often needs components replaced, we've had to build pneumatic machines from scratch. I've installed filters and pipework for water and sauces that the factory uses.
Industrial Area:
Boiler checks (water level, Total Dissolved Solids, water-softness, salt-bin levels, alarm checks, feed-pump checks). Refrigeration Unit checks (ensure the motors which power the Ammonia plant are running well and have decent oil levels, check wiring in the Panel Board and see that nothing has tripped, check the Glycol pumps, see if valves are flowing properly. Check on the Reverse Osmosis plant that no electrical components have tripped and the connected pumps are drawing water properly. You may have to liaise with contractors who manage other sections such as the water treatment plant. Normally something is broken or needs improving or needs monitoring.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
There's always something to learn and always something to work on.
The college the company is partnered with is great too (Hereford and Worcester Group Training Association).
The college the company is partnered with is great too (Hereford and Worcester Group Training Association).
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Starts on Level 2 Apprenticeship, graduates to level 3, potential to do HNC as well.
Fault-finding, capability working on electrical components, electrical testing, working on motors/gearboxes.
Fault-finding, capability working on electrical components, electrical testing, working on motors/gearboxes.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It's a medium-large company so if you want to find information you have to take initiative and go ask.
There's always someone who's able to help though.
There's always someone who's able to help though.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have an Apprenticeship Manager that keeps me up to date and ensures I have everything I need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The "College" as we call it is supportive and clear, we've had lots of help with next steps and they even provide extra learning courses.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The training provider taught us how to work on different niches of engineering, as well as material science. If you pay attention and ask questions you'll learn it all and become confident to work on machines.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are opportunities for extra-curricular activities, you'll have to speak to the person in charge of that but some examples are Tennis court for hire, School-Leavers Expo events, social networking events. The training provider offers digital courses for extra skills.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Kanes Foods Ltd. to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Skills gained, opportunity to learn a wide range of engineering types, as well as learning from other roles within the company, competitive salary.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Kanes Foods Ltd.?
Think about what engineers do, how they do it (processes), and why.
Ideally the company look for hands-on attitude and capable communication in this role.
Ideally the company look for hands-on attitude and capable communication in this role.
