Level 3 Food Technologist

Introduction to the Apprenticeship

Food Industry Technologists are the guardians of food quality and safety and ensure that products are of the highest standard, meet legislation, and are safe to eat and drink. They maintain documentation in line with product specifications and company policies. They ensure that technical and quality standards are consistently met whilst optimising efficiency to meet business needs. They may improve existing products as well as launch new ones whilst ensuring product safety and quality. They are subject matter experts in their field and are likely to work with teams to develop effective manufacturing processes ensuring that technical and quality standards are consistently met. A Food Quality Specialist monitors the quality of the food and drink product. A Food Development Specialist contributes to the development of new and existing food products.

An employee is likely to report to a technical professional from the food industry. They interact with a range of internal stakeholders, including teams in production, commercial, supply chain, engineering, finance, and health, safety and environment. They may also deal with external stakeholders such as auditors, suppliers and customers.

Apprenticeship Standard

For more information about the Level 3 Food Technologist standard, please visit:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/food-industry-technologist-in-revision

Apprenticeship Modules

The broad purpose of the Technical Operator is to support the manufacture of quality food and drink products. Technical Process Operators conduct start-ups, close-downs, changeovers, and handovers in the manufacturing process, often using highly automated equipment and technology, but also working with traditional processing methods. They keep the manufacturing process running through operating machinery, front-line fault diagnosis and resolution, asset care, and performing basic maintenance.

Modules include:

  • Legislation and Regulations
  • Processing Standards and Parameters to Specification
  • Raw Materials
  • Systems and processes
  • Product Sampling, Microbiology Principles, Nutrition, and Sensory Evaluation
  • Data Analysis
  • Resolving Technical Issues
  • Continuous Improvement Activities

There are other modules specific to a Quality/Technical or New Product Development roles.

Apprenticeship End Point assessment

All apprentices must spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme (before the gateway) working towards the occupational standard and should meet the off-the-job requirements for an apprenticeship.

The EPA period should only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is deemed to be consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard. Apprentices without English and mathematics at level 2 must achieve level 2 prior to taking their EPA. The EPA must be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 4 months, The EPA consists of 3 discrete assessment methods:

  • Knowledge test
  • Workplace project
  • Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

For more information about the End Point Assessment process, please visit:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/food-industry-technologist-in-revision

Contact us for more information about how to apply: ncfm@lincoln.ac.uk or 01406 493000

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The Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technology, Holbeach, Spalding PE12 7FJ

T: 01406 493000
E: ncfm@lincoln.ac.uk

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