Level 3 Food Technologist Advanced Apprenticeship Diploma

Information for apprentices Information for employers

Level(s) of Study: Further education / Professional
Start Date(s): September 2024
Duration: 30 months
Study Mode(s): Block release
Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
Entry Requirements:
More information

Introduction:

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 will 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.

We are ranked among the top 5 of UK universities for employer satisfaction, with a score of 92% for the quality of apprenticeship training provided (FE Choices Employer Satisfaction Survey 2019).

What you’ll study

You will study a range of disciplines in food science and technology, including biochemistry, product development and manufacturing processes and technologies.

Week 1

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*

*indicates delivery of units over two different weeks.

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.

Student Profiles

Sam Rawlings

I have learnt a lot about different subjects and met some lovely people.

Inta Rascevska

This apprenticeship covers all the necessary units for an individual to be able to work with food whether it’s in food manufacturing or catering.

Case Studies

Amelia Burton

Amelia Burton studies at our Brackenhurst campus on the Level 3 Food Technology Solutions Specialist apprenticeship. She mentions “Nottingham Trent Brackenhurst is a lovely, homely campus with good facilities”. When asked what skills and experience she has gained as part of the apprenticeship, Amelia expressed “I have gained valuable work experience and confidence while studying on the apprenticeship”.

How you’re assessed

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.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Orangery and Students' Union - Brackenhurst Campus

IT Facilities - Brackenhurst Campus

Laboratories - Brackenhurst Campus

Entry requirements

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 years 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.

EU students are eligible, please contact the apprenticeship team for eligibility information.

Unfortunately this course is not available for international students.

Fees and funding

Your employer will be able to access government funding which will cover the costs of your course fees. Your employer will discuss with you regarding any extra charges such as accommodation and travel expenses prior to you signing up to the apprenticeship so that you are aware of any additional costs you may incur before you accept your apprenticeship.

For apprenticeship fees, funding and guidance information, please see our Apprenticeships pages.

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.