Our Level 3 Food Technologist Apprenticeship gives you the chance to gain a Level 3 Diploma in Food Technology and enhance your career prospects within the food and drink industry. The course has been carefully designed to meet the needs of the food and drink industry to develop your core skills, knowledge and behaviours in food science and technology. Upon completion of this apprenticeship you will be working in an industry which offers many ongoing career opportunities in roles such as Technical Manager, Quality, Process Development or New Product Development specialist or an Auditor.  Alternatively once qualified you could also progress onto studying at degree level via our BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Technology apprenticeship to further develop your career prospects.

Why choose this apprenticeship?

In such a fast-moving industry there are excellent opportunities for career progression in this sector, while at the same time there is also a real need for employees to be qualified in key areas such as Food Science and Technology. Apprenticeships can offer the best of both worlds.

Apprenticeships are structured, quality-assured education, delivered alongside practical on-the-job learning that benefits both the employer and the employee. Companies recognise the benefit of investing in the development of their workforce and are prepared to take on apprentices, safe in the knowledge they will be gaining the skills and knowledge that will benefit their business.

Who is this aimed at?

This apprenticeship provides an entry point for applicants who are aged 18 and over and are interested in developing a scientific or technical career to study at further education level.

Some apprentices start in entry level roles within the business, whilst others are more experienced staff perhaps without formal qualifications in the field who are looking to progress their careers. Usually their career and responsibilities progress throughout the duration of their apprenticeship. It is ideal for those in roles covering quality assurance, technical, production and new product development.

• You will study a range of disciplines in food science and technology, including food chemistry, product development and manufacturing processes and technologies.
• The block study approach allows you to combine studies with work and apply what you learn with us in the workplace.
• You will be working with others from the food industry, sharing work and study experiences.
• This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology

What does my apprenticeship contain?

In order to achieve your apprenticeship you must evidence that you have developed your skills, knowledge and behaviours as detailed in the apprenticeship standard statements.

This apprenticeship requires you to complete three mandatory qualifications;

• OAL Level 3 Diploma in Food Technology
• Level 2 English, if not already achieved
• Level 2 Mathematics, if not already achieved

How is the apprenticeship course run?

This Level 3 Diploma is delivered over a 24 month period, consisting of 6 individual week long blocks of study, all delivered at our Brackenhurst Campus. This is combined with distance learning and support in between the block weeks from both an academic and workplace mentor. By the end of the 24 month period you will achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Food Technology. A further 6 months is then allocated for you to complete the end point assessment to formally achieve your apprenticeship.

What you'll study

Year 1

Week1

• Principles of food science for food and drink operations
• Contribute to food safety management in food and drink operations
• Principles of raw materials and storage in food and drink operations

Week 2

• Principles of technology for food and drink operations
• Develop self and maintain professional relationships in food and drink operations
• Contribute to HACCP management in food and drink operations

Week 3

• Principles of microbiology for food and drink operations
• Contribute to health and safety and environmental management in food and drink operations*
• Principles of regulation and the food and drink supply chain*

Year 2

Week 4

• Conduct quality and sensory evaluation in food and drink operations
• Resolve technical and quality problems in food and drink operations
• Contribute to health and safety and environmental management in food and drink operations*

Week 5

• Contribute to technical and quality management in food and drink operations
• Contribute to product development and costing in food and drink operations
• Principles of regulation and the food and drink supply chain*

Week 6

• Interpret and analyse data in food and drink operations
• Contribute to continuous improvement in food and drink operations

*indicates delivery of units over two different weeks.

How you’re taught

You will experience a range of learning and teaching methods, during the block taught weeks on campus and via distance learning in between the teaching blocks. As well as traditional lectures and tutorials you will undertake practical work in our food processing laboratory and chemistry laboratory.

Assessment methods

You will be observed in the workplace by your academic mentor/assessor who will assess your performance, as well as other evidence that you produce against the criteria of the qualification during your studies e.g. project work, case studies etc.  Your assessments will be collated to form an overall result at the end of your apprenticeship where you will achieve either a pass, merit or distinction.

Careers and employability

This qualification will assist your career progression within the food and drink sector. It is appropriate for a range of roles within quality assurance, technical, production and new product development.

Entry Requirements UK

English and Maths qualifications;

• GCSE Maths or international equivalent – minimum C or above
• GCSE English or international equivalent – minimum C or above

If you have not achieved these grades or you do not have copies of your certificates to evidence this level you will be required to complete our online functional skills assessment during the application process and must achieve:

• Maths function skills Level 1 and must be willing to gain Level 2 Maths during your apprenticeship
• English functional skills Level 1 and must be willing to gain Level 2 English during your apprenticeship

If either English or Maths results are scored at E3 and the candidate can demonstrate more than 2 year experience in the food industry applications will be considered.  This is on the condition that the other subject scored Level 1 or above.

Learning support will be provided by Nottingham Trent University as part of your apprenticeship to equip you with the knowledge needed to pass Level 2 in English and Maths during the duration of your apprenticeship but please note that you will need to be prepared to commit to the additional learning required and longer teaching hours during your block weeks on campus.

Entry Requirements International

Unfortunately this course is not available for EU or international students.

How to apply

For more information on how to apply please visit our apprenticeship pages or email us.

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