Engineering Apprenticeship - Automation & Controls

Join Altro and build your future in engineering

At Altro, we’ve been manufacturing innovative flooring and wall cladding systems since 1919. As a family-owned British business, we take pride in creating environments that improve people’s wellbeing, while supporting our people to grow, develop and thrive.

We’re now looking for an Automation & Controls Engineering Apprentice to join our Letchworth site and start an exciting career in advanced manufacturing.

About the Apprenticeship

You’ll complete the Level 4 Automation & Controls Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with Harlow College, attending one day per week on day release while gaining hands-on experience on site. The apprenticeship will take approximately 4 years.

You’ll work towards a Level 4 HNC in Engineering, building the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a qualified Automation & Controls Engineer.

What you’ll be doing

Working alongside our experienced Engineering teams, you’ll:

Support the maintenance and improvement of automation and control systems (e.g. PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation)

Assist with fault finding and diagnostics using structured problem-solving techniques

Help maintain equipment performance and reduce downtime

Get involved in equipment installation, system upgrades and commissioning projects

Learn how automation systems connect across our manufacturing operations

Update engineering documentation including electrical drawings and PLC backups

Contribute to a safe working environment following our Zero Harm principles

As your skills grow, you’ll take on more responsibility and develop towards becoming a subject matter expert in automation and controls.

As well as an exciting opportunity and a competitive salary, what do we have offer?? 

Starting holiday entitlement of 25 days, with the option to buy more

Defined contribution pension scheme

Life assurance from day one

Occupational Sick Pay and onsite Occupational Health Service

Confidential 24-hour life management and personal support service for you and your family

Enhanced family-friendly benefits, including Maternity, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave

Free eye tests for all employees

A paid day off each year for volunteering

Free car parking at all our sites

Long service awards

Learning and Development support, regardless of your career stage

Various social events, including the company Christmas party

Retirement advice and support

What we’re looking for

Essential:

GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)

Ability to travel independently to Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire (4 days per week) and Harlow College (1 day per week)

A genuine interest in engineering, automation, or how things work

Strong problem-solving skills and a logical mindset

A commitment to working safely and following procedures

Good communication and teamwork skills

Basic IT skills

Desirable:

64 UCAS points or a relevant Level 3 Engineering qualification

Knowledge of electrical circuits or wiring

Awareness of PLCs, automation, or control systems

Interest in industrial technology or manufacturing

Why join Altro?

Earn while you learn and gain a recognised Level 4 qualification

Hands-on experience in a modern manufacturing environment

Support from experienced engineers and mentors

Clear progression opportunities into engineering roles

Be part of a company that genuinely values its people

Everyone is welcome at Altro for who they are, no matter what their background is or how they identify.  We appreciate that everyone is different and with that diverse uniqueness we can all thrive.   “We don’t want you to just work here.  We want you to belong here.”

Career progression

This apprenticeship is designed to set you up for a long-term career, with opportunities to progress into roles such as:

Automation & Controls Engineer

Project Engineer

Senior Engineering Technician

Important information

Apprenticeship training is delivered in partnership with Harlow College

Start date: September/October 2026 intake

You must secure employment with Altro before starting the apprenticeship

You can find out more about the course by clicking here