Job Title: Technical Trainee

Location: Blaise Biogas, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4PN

Salary: Competitive

Job Type: Permanent, Full time

Working Hours / Pattern: 7am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

About Us:

Blaise Biogas are an anaerobic digestion plant, creating energy from waste. Taking food waste and turning it into digestate, whilst using the gas it produces to inject back to the grid and power homes.

About the role:

Blaise Biogas are looking for a Technical Trainee to support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant while completing a structured programme of practical and technical development.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the day-to-day operation of the AD plant and associated equipment.
• Carry out routine inspections, operational checks and process monitoring.
• Monitor pumps, mixers, conveyors, tanks, valves, gas and feed systems.
• Assist with feedstock reception, handling and feeding.
• Record plant readings and operational information accurately.
• Identify and report abnormal conditions, defects, leaks, hazards, spills and unsafe conditions.
• Support plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning and preventative maintenance.
• Assist with basic mechanical maintenance and fault finding under supervision.
• Maintain good housekeeping across operational areas, workshops and stores.
• Take increasing responsibility for monitoring plant performance as competence develops.

Knowledge & Development:

Develop an understanding of:

• Anaerobic digestion, feedstock preparation and process stability.
• Biogas production, CHP engines and/or biomethane upgrading systems.
• Digestate handling and storage.
• Pumps, motors, gearboxes, valves and instrumentation.
• Plant control, monitoring, maintenance and fault diagnosis.
• Health, Safety & Training
• Follow health, safety, environmental, PPE and safe working procedures.
• Understand risk assessments, isolation/Lock Out Tag Out procedures and AD operational hazards.
• Participate in inductions, toolbox talks and safety training.
• Complete structured training covering AD processes, plant equipment, inspections, maintenance, environmental compliance, emergencies and supervised plant operation.
• Complete competency assessment and sign-off.
• Development may be supported by a relevant apprenticeship or technical qualification.

About you:

Essentials:

• Strong interest in engineering, renewable energy, process operations or practical technical work.
• Willingness to learn and undertake structured training.
• Practical, hands-on approach.
• Good basic numeracy and literacy.
• Able to follow procedures and technical instructions.
• Safety-conscious attitude.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Good communication skills.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in an operational industrial environment.

Desirable:

• GCSEs or equivalent including Maths, English and a science/technical subject.
• Engineering or technical college qualification.
• Previous experience in agriculture, waste management, manufacturing, utilities, engineering or renewable energy.
• Basic mechanical or electrical knowledge.
• Experience using hand tools.
• Driving licence.

Benefits:

• Life Insurance with access to GP24
• Commitment to wellbeing through Employee Assistance Programme
• Electric Car salary sacrifice scheme for eligible employees
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company Events
• Gymfllex salary sacrifice

Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV for this role.

Overseas candidates will NOT be considered for this role. We are not sponsoring Visa's at this time, so please refrain from applying unless eligible to work in the UK.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of: Trainee Technician, Trainee Technical Engineer, Technical Trainee, Technical Operations, Trainee Operations Technician may also be considered for this role.