Facilities Apprentice

As a Facilities Apprentice, you’ll help keep our 24/7 manufacturing site running by learning how to maintain and support critical building services and utilities.

You’ll work across mechanical, electrical and control systems, developing practical skills with structured training, mentoring and real responsibility.  

Complete the programme and step into a technician role, contributing to a site that saves and improves lives worldwide.

Your responsibilities will include:

Mechanical & Building Services:

Maintain compressed air, hot/cold de‑ionised water, HVAC and vacuum systems Maintain pumps, valves and material handling equipment Safe, correct use of hand tools Working at height and in confined spaces

Electrical:

Maintain lighting systems, security camera equipment Understand electrical regulations and energy usage Read electrical drawings; identify components and their applications 

BMS:

Use BMS and alarm data for fault finding on AHUs, pumps and motors 

Core Facilities Operations:

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), reactive and breakdown work Condition monitoring; confirmation testing and smooth handover of plant/equipment Operate a Permit to Work system in line with BD Health & Safety procedures; wear appropriate PPE Supervise and monitor subcontractors on site Keep plant rooms locked, clean and tidy; ensure suitable spares are available; prepare parts lists and timescales for remedial work; communicate site updates Use PC tools for email, reporting, quoting and ordering parts Identify opportunities to improve processes, practices and procedures Assess urgency and impact (e.g., safety‑critical vs routine maintenance)

Training:

Engineering Maintenance Technician - dual discipline Level 3.

During your apprenticeship, you will receive practical, on‑the‑job training and college learning across core facilities disciplines.

Year 1:

Monday: College studies with City College Plymouth (at BD site) Tuesday & Wednesday: Working at BD Plymouth Thursday & Friday: College studies at City College Plymouth

Year 2:

1 day per week at college 4 days per week working at BD Plymouth 

Year 3:

1 day per week at college 4 days per week working at BD Plymouth 

Standard Hours:

Monday to Friday Total: 37.5 hours per week

Training Outcome:

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you’ll have the opportunity to progress into a technician role contributing to a site that saves and improves lives worldwide.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build a long-term career with a global leader in healthcare manufacturing.

Employer Description:

Become a Maker of Possible

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Our purpose—Advancing the World of Health™—drives everything we do. From design and engineering to manufacturing and marketing billions of MedTech products each year, we turn challenges into possibilities.

Now, we’re offering an exciting opportunity to join BD Plymouth as a Facilities Apprentice, where you’ll gain hands-on experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and the chance to build a rewarding career in facilities management.

BD Plymouth is one of the leading facilities in Europe for producing evacuated tubes and needles, including BD Vacutainer® blood collection products used worldwide.

Located in the stunning South West of England, our site has been operating since 1981 and now employs over 850 talented people. Over the past 40+ years, we’ve grown into a world-class operation, and we’re inviting you to be part of our journey.

Why Join Us?

BD is proud to be certified as a Top Employer 2025 in the UK, reflecting our commitment to creating an exceptional working environment. A career at BD means learning alongside inspirational leaders and colleagues in a culture that values growth, inclusion, and innovation.

At BD Plymouth, you’ll be part of a company that truly makes a difference in global healthcare—saving and improving lives every day. We value creativity, innovation, and fresh ideas, and we’ll support you in developing solutions that benefit people everywhere.

We’re committed to giving back through charitable and community initiatives, and we provide a modern, supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and thrive.

What We Offer

A chance to start your career with a global healthcare leader Training and development opportunities to help you reach your potential Recognition and rewards for your contributions A healthy work-life balance

 

Who Can Apply?

If you’re enthusiastic, eager to learn, and ready to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Join BD Plymouth and help us continue to deliver world-class healthcare solutions.

Working Hours :
Year 1: 3 days at City College Plymouth, 2 days at BD Plymouth (Monday - Friday). Year 2 & 3: 1 day college, 4 days at BD Plymouth (Monday - Friday). Working hours TBC.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Number skills,Team working,Creative,Non judgemental,Patience,Adaptable,Energy and enthusiasm,Initiative and ownership,Curiosity,Willingness to learn,Self-motivation & discipline,Integrity and honesty,Practical, hands-on ability,Commitment to safety