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Level 3 Food Industry Technologist Apprenticeship Certificate in

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  • Level of study:
    College course, Professional, Apprenticeship
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    January 2026
  • Duration:
    Two years
  • Attendance:
    Full-time
  • Course delivery:
    Block release (Brackenhurst)
Food Science and Technology
Information for 2026

About this course

Our Level 3 Food Industry Technologist Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to enhance your skills and 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 there is also the opportunity to progress onto studying at degree level via our Level 6 Food Industry Technical Professional Apprenticeship (FITP) to further develop career prospects.

Why choose this apprenticeship?

The food industry is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing sectors of industry, facing many challenges; recruitment and retention being one of the biggest.

This Level 3 apprenticeship has been designed in conjunction with the food and drink manufacturing industry to deliver taught blocks alongside practical on-the-job learning that benefits both the employer and the employee — supporting learners to develop valuable skills, and enabling them to make an immediate contribution to the workplace.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, individuals are eligible to apply for The Science Council for Registered Science Technician (RSiTech) through a shortened application route.

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 product development or technical career to study at further education level. It is suitable for a full range of roles, such as quality assurance supervisor, technical quality auditor and product process development technologist; who are looking to enhance their skills.  No previous formal qualifications are needed. Dedicated functional skills support is provided for those needing to complete a Level 2 English and Maths qualification.

NTU can support a business with the recruitment of new apprentices and assist with the funding application. The training completed throughout the programme will support the development of the key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be successful in current and future roles.

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;

  • Food Industry Technologist Apprenticeship
  • Level 2 English, if not already achieved
  • Level 2 Mathematics, if not already achieved

How is the apprenticeship course run?

This apprenticeship can take up to 24 months to complete including EPA. The apprenticeship is delivered on a block release basis which includes six, one week blocks, over 18 months. This is combined with online workshops and coaching support from an academic and workplace mentor. Training is provided for the workplace mentor and regular progress reviews are held between the learner and the workplace.  The block study approach combines studies with work and applies what is learnt at university in the workplace.

By the end of the 24-month period the apprentice will achieve a Level 3 Food Industry Technologist apprenticeship. Level 2 English and Maths functional skills will also be completed, if not already achieved.

Where will I study?

Apprentices will study at Brackenhurst with its purpose-built food technology facilities including a sensory kitchen, food pilot plant and laboratories. The programme is delivered by industry experts in a dynamic teaching setting, which allows apprentices to succeed in a supportive environment.  Throughout the programme apprentices will be working with others from the food industry, sharing work and study experiences.

  • Designed with industry

    Designed in conjunction with the food and drink manufacturing industry to deliver taught blocks alongside practical on-the-job learning.

  • Growing your talent

    Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you are eligible to apply for The Science Council for Registered Science Technician (RSiTech) through a shortened application route.

  • Great teaching with hands-on experience

    The apprenticeship offers structured, quality assured education alongside practical on the job learning that benefits both the employer and the employee.

  • Top-rated University provider

    of higher and degree apprenticeships in the UK in the RateMyApprenticeship Top Training Providers list for 2024-25.

You will study a series of core units throughout the year along side modules specialising in either Food Development or Food Quality.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

  • Caroline Searle

    Food Science and Production student

    “I have learnt new areas of the business and have been able to grow my role already, as a result of attending NTU.”

    Read Caroline's profile

  • Laura Hetherington

    Food Science and Production student

    “(I) feel quite strongly that I am in a much better position than some of my colleagues that didn’t choose this apprenticeship.”

    Read Laura's profile

  • Kate Rose

    Food Science and Production student

    “Kate shares her experience on the Level 3 Food Technologist Apprenticeship and why NTU was the right choice for her.”

    Read Kate's profile
  • Image of BSc (Hons) Level 6 Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship student Reka Biro

    Reka Biro

    Food Science and Production student

    “If you have a passion for food manufacturing, development and innovation then unarguably this course is for you”

    Read Reka's profile

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.

How you're assessed

You will be observed in the workplace by your academic mentor/assessor who will assess your skills, behaviour and knowledge. Along with 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 of the end-point assessment which will be administered and assessed by an external organisation where you will achieve either a pass, merit or distinction.

Entry requirements

UK students

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure the following are in place prior to the start date of the course:

  • You are a UK resident or have the right to work in the UK.
  • Have a job or a job offer from an employer who will support you to complete your apprenticeship.
  • Will spend at least 50% of your working week in England over the duration of the apprenticeship.  This also applies to remote and hybrid workers

Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.

International students

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure you can fulfil the following prior to the start date of the course:

  • You have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3-year period on the first day of your apprenticeship.
  • Your ordinary residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of that period been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
  • You have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for education purposes only.
  • You must be able to complete the apprenticeship in the time you have available (e.g. your Visa must last for the duration of the apprenticeship as well as your contract of employment).

Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

To undertake an apprenticeship, you must be employed. Your employer will pay your tuition fees.

If you or your employer have any questions regarding the fees and funding available for this apprenticeship, please see our Apprenticeships pages, email our Apprenticeships team, or call  +44 (0)115 848 2589.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

To undertake an apprenticeship you must be employed. Your employer will pay your tuition fees.

We will review your identity documents / immigration status to verify your residency eligibility in line with the apprenticeship funding rules, at the application stage.

If you or your employer have any questions regarding the fees and funding available for this apprenticeship, please see our apprenticeships FAQs, contact our Apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk, or call +44 (0)115 848 2589.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

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.

Campus and facilities

As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 acres of stunning countryside.

Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

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

Apply now

International students

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure you can fulfil the following prior to the start date of the course:

  • You have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3-year period on the first day of your apprenticeship.
  • Your ordinary residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of that period been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
  • You have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for education purposes only.
  • You must be able to complete the apprenticeship in the time you have available (e.g. your Visa must last for the duration of the apprenticeship as well as your contract of employment).

If you are able to fulfil this, please follow the application guidelines for UK students

Apply now

Application guidance for apprenticeships

We have lots of useful advice and guidance to help you discuss your options with your employer or apply for available apprenticeship opportunities.

Application support

If you need more help or support, you can call our Apprenticeship team on +44 (0)115 848 2589, or email apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.

Related courses

More from this subject

View more courses on the Food Science and Production subject page

Keeping in touch

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