2026 Apprentice Cooper

2026 Apprentice Cooper

Stirling

Closing date: 15th March 2026

First Year Base Pay £26,577 annually + Bonus + Shares + More Benefits!

Diageo apprenticeships — your next big opportunity

Curious about what it’s like to help build some of the planet’s most iconic brands? With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Join us to collaborate, explore, and innovate as you build brands consumers love. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you’ll test new ideas, learn and unlock a brighter, more exciting future.

At Diageo, our apprentices learn by doing, earn industry‑recognised qualifications, and receive outstanding support from people who are dedicated to encouraging your development and success.

We believe your potential deserves a place to shine. Our apprenticeships give you the space to build confidence, develop real‑world skills, and join a community where you can be your authentic self.

You’ll work with leaders who model integrity, good judgement, and a commitment to creating safe, respectful, and empowering environments where everyone can thrive.

What you can expect

• An inclusive culture that welcomes you and values your unique perspective

• Supportive leaders who champion your growth and celebrate your progress

• Skills that set you up for success, including respected qualifications and hands‑on experience

• A safe and encouraging environment focused on wellbeing, learning, and confidence

About the role

Step into a craft that’s shaped Scotland’s whisky story for centuries. As an Apprentice Cooper at Diageo’s modern Cambus Cooperage, you’ll learn the art of caring for, preparing, and regenerating the casks that help create some of the world’s most iconic spirits. This is hands‑on, purposeful work—perfect for someone who loves learning by doing, enjoys a challenge, and wants to be part of a supportive team where everyone can thrive.

You’ll blend tradition with technology, confidence with curiosity, and skill‑building with real career opportunities. And yes, this is absolutely a craft for everyone.

What You’ll Be Getting Involved In

You’ll be supported as you build your skills, but expect to get stuck in from day one. Key responsibilities include:

• Rebuilding and regenerating whisky casks used across Diageo’s distilleries, restoring them to the highest standards.

• Working to daily and weekly production targets, helping ensure casks are ready for filling, warehousing, disgorging, and handling.

• Supporting quality at every stage, keeping a close eye on detail so each cask meets Diageo’s top-tier standards.

• Learning safe and effective handling techniques, using both traditional craft tools and modern hydraulic or robotic machinery.

• Championing health & safety, making it a natural part of how you work every day.

• Getting involved in problem‑solving and continuous improvement, sharing your ideas and helping shape smarter ways of working.

If you want a role that’s physical, creative, meaningful, and within a craft community where your growth genuinely matters, this apprenticeship could be your perfect starting point.

This four‑year programme will end with you being a fully qualified Cooper accredited by the Cooperage Foundation.

Entry Requirements

• National 5 English

• National 5 Maths

• Additional National 5 in a Science, Technical or hands on subject.

Who Thrives in This Programme

You’re the kind of person who shows up ready to shine, someone who takes real pride in what they do and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves. You love staying organised (yes, even keeping your workspace tidy!), and you bring a positive, flexible energy to any team you’re part of.

Whether you’re chatting confidently with people, helping out your teammates, or trying something new, you’re all about growing your skills and making a great impression. You communicate clearly, handle tasks with confidence, and you’re always open to learning along the way.

You’re reliable, adaptable, and full of potential bringing a friendly spark wherever you go.

Key Skills & Strengths

• Great time‑keeping & punctuality - you show up ready and on time

• Strong organisation skills - including keeping your workbench or workspace clear

• Pride in your work - you care about doing things well

• Team player - supportive, positive, and great to work with

• Flexible with tasks - happy to jump in wherever needed

• Confident communicator - comfortable speaking with the public and answering questions

• Networking ability - you know how to connect with people

• Adaptability - able to adjust quickly to different situations

• Basic computing skills - solid foundations to build on

Rewards & benefits

Your first‑year salary follows the Real Living Wage, giving you a strong and competitive starting point. You’ll also receive Diageo’s industry‑leading benefits package.

With the skills, experience, and long‑term opportunities available, this apprenticeship can be a powerful and exciting step toward your future.

Your Future Career

You’ll gain hands‑on experience, develop practical and theoretical expertise, and achieve industry‑recognised qualifications leading to Time Served status. This opens doors to long‑term opportunities across a global, innovative, world‑class organisation and more!

WHAT THE SELECTION PROCESS LOOKS LIKE

STEP 1 — CV Submission

Share your current CV with your education and any experience such as part‑time work, volunteering, sports, hobbies, or projects. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

We will review all applications and you should receive notification within 2 weeks on whether you are being progressed to step 2.

STEP 2 — Video Interview

If selected, you’ll complete a short Hirevue video interview.

(Where applicable, you can share your preferred specialty area.)

A short supporting video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_ucpYcaRCBc?feature=share

STEP 3 — Assessment Centre

These assessment centres are eld on‑site and last typically around 3 hours. You’ll meet members of the team and take part in activities designed to understand your strengths as well as having the opportunity to meet current apprentices and ask questions. This a positive and energising experience for everyone involved!

A brief supporting video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2-xcXrveiRE

WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU

Our Talent Engagement Team is available for any adjustments or support you may need at any stage. We’ll also share helpful guidance to help you feel confident and prepared throughout the process.

We’re hosting Parent / Caregiver / Guardian information sessions to help support the application process that can be booked here: https://diageocrm.avature.net/en_GB/apprenticeshipparentengagement

(Additional sessions will be offered for candidates as they progress.)

Flexibility is key to success in our business and many of our people work flexibly in many different ways. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

We’re excited to learn more about you — and to assist you as you take this meaningful next step in your career journey.