Engineering Apprenticeship - Automation & Controls

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.

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.”

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

• 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: Harlow College - Automation & Controls Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

If you’re curious, hands-on, and ready to start your engineering career, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and start building your future with Altro.