Are you naturally curious about how machinery works and have a keen eye for detail? Whitman Laboratories, part of Estée Lauder Companies, is seeking a motivated Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice to support our fast‑paced manufacturing environment. In this role, you’ll develop the technical skills needed to maintain, service, and repair production machinery and equipment, ensuring everything operates safely, efficiently, and to the high-quality standards our site is known for. You’ll also learn to carry out diagnostic testing, identify root causes of faults, and implement long‑term solutions that keep our operations running smoothly.
Training to be provided:
As an Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice, you will be studying a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. Throughout your apprenticeship with UK Whitman, you will be supported by your company mentor and your PETA Learning and Development Coach.
Your Level 3 programme will include, a level 3 Engineering work-based qualification delivered by PETA. A practical period of 42 Months and an overall duration 46 months.
About the role:
As an Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice, you will be trained to become highly skilled in maintaining and improving the advanced machinery.
Your apprenticeship will give you hands‑on experience across a wide range of engineering activities, including responding to breakdowns, supporting 24‑hour production, completing planned preventative maintenance, and contributing to continuous improvement projects. You’ll work closely with production teams, support changeovers and set‑ups, promote safe working practices, and build strong cross‑functional relationships. As technologies evolve, you’ll maintain and grow your engineering knowledge, sharing best practices with colleagues and contributing as a subject matter expert to wider company initiatives.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Respond to breakdowns, systematically fault find, and identify root cause and then implement solution to prevent recurrence
- Support 24 hour Site Production Operations and pro-actively engage with all departments to supply an effective, efficient, compliant service on a right first-time basis
- Carry out Planned Preventative Maintenance. Identify and implement continuous improvements opportunities to increase equipment efficiency, effectiveness, reliability and process robustness
- Provide engineering support for production activity to meet customer requirements and site operations where required
- Provide pro-active, flexible support to Production activity with change overs, set-ups, change parts and skills transfer
- Actively build internal and external departmental relationships. Support cross functional activity relating to Safety, Quality and Project Work etc. with supporting documentation
- Promote safe systems of work, adhering with Safety, Compliance, GMP and Audit working practices
- Maintain skills and knowledge of equipment and changing technologies with training and sharing of best practices with peers and other support groups
- Participate in company initiatives as Subject Matter Expert to seek resolutions to common issues
- Adhere to Regulations and Legislative working practices
Typical Working Week
Maintenance & Operations Support
- Join the Engineering team daily planning or shift handover
- Accompany engineers carrying out planned preventative maintenance (PPMs)
- Learn basic fault-finding techniques on production and utility equipment
- Complete maintenance records and update engineering systems
- Participate in toolbox talks and safety briefings
Technical Learning & Projects
- Work alongside maintenance technicians, facilities engineers, or project engineers. Learn about:
o Packaging lines
o Filling equipment
o Conveyors
o Compressed air systems
o Boilers and utilities
o Building services systems
- Assist with small continuous improvement projects and engineering investigations
College / Academic Study
The Engineering Apprentice programme includes structured academic learning:
- Attendance at technical college during the apprenticeship
- Achievement of recognised engineering qualifications and NVQs
- Development towards Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration
- Completion of coursework, assignments and practical assessments
Reliability & Engineering Excellence
Exposure to the wider engineering function including:
- Reliability engineering concepts
- TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)
- Asset management
- Obsolescence management
- Preventative maintenance strategies
- Root cause analysis activities
- Engineering stores and spare parts management
Development & Reflection
- Update apprenticeship logbook documenting projects, skills learned and experience gained
- Meet with mentor or Technical Team Leader
- Review training progress
- Complete safety and compliance training
- Support engineering improvement activities across site
What you would learn at Whitman
As an apprentice at Whitman you would gain experience across:
- Manufacturing engineering
- Maintenance & Reliability
- Facilities Engineering
- Utilities systems
- Health & Safety
- Automation and controls
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Continuous Improvement
- Project engineering
- Engineering planning and scheduling
Apprenticeship Progression:
For the right candidate, a full‑time position may be offered upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Our ideal Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice:
An apprenticeship is all about developing new knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Therefore, to be considered for the role of Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice, you must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in engineering, a practical mindset, and a strong willingness to learn and grow within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Criteria:
- GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in maths and English
- Mechanical aptitude – ability to understand mechanical problems
- Skill in using tools, equipment and measuring devices will be developed during the apprenticeship
- Good numerical skills – ability to analyse statistical data and identify trends
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to use the maintenance system within the Engineering Department
- Essential that a customer related approach is adopted
Whitman Laboratories, part of The Estée Lauder Companies, is a long established and highly respected cosmetics manufacturing site with decades of expertise in producing premium skincare, makeup, and fragrance products. The facility is recognised for its advanced production technologies, high precision processes, and commitment to delivering world class beauty products to consumers across the UK and global markets.
Over the years, Whitman Laboratories has continued to grow steadily, driven by a strong focus on quality, innovation, and operational excellence. This sustained success reflects the dedication of its teams and their commitment to maintaining the highest manufacturing standards. With a culture built on continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, the site plays a key role in supporting Estée Lauder’s reputation for exceptional product performance and reliability.
Company Benefits:
- Holiday Entitlement of 25 days (pro-rata)
- Day off for your Birthday
- Up to 65% staff discount at Company Store
- Access to LifeWorks - Employee Assistance Program
- Staff Goody Bags
- Free onsite car parking
If you are keen to start a career as an Engineering Maintenance Apprentice, click APPLY now! 