Level 4 Hygiene Specialist Higher Apprenticeship Certificate of Higher Education

Information for apprentices Information for employers

Level(s) of Study: Further education
Start Date(s): September 2023
Duration: 30 months
Study Mode(s): Block release
Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
Entry Requirements:
More information

Introduction:

Our Level 4 Hygiene Specialist apprenticeship is designed for those aiming to progress into roles providing specialist hygiene services in areas such as closed plants, sterile environments, food production and laboratories.

The course focuses on the hygiene specialist role, featuring modules that address aspects of underpinning science, design and management of hygiene practices, management of human resource, operations and environmental sustainability. Employees get the opportunity to gain a Certificate of Higher Education as a Hygiene Specialist whilst studying for this apprenticeship.

The typical job roles that apprentices might occupy once they have achieved the apprenticeship include hygiene compliance manager, hygiene manager, hygiene supervisor, hygiene team leader and hygiene process leader.

Why choose this apprenticeship?

For a number of key industries, including food manufacturing, pharmaceutical and health, high standards of hygiene are an essential requirement. Consequently, there is a need for employees who are qualified specialists in this discipline. The work of the hygiene specialist is at the core of this course; it is integrated into study, with work-related activity in teaching sessions and assessments for each module studied. This role is found across a number of sectors including the pharmaceutical, agricultural, chemical and health sectors as well as those producing and storing food products.

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 aged 18 and over interested in developing a career in this essential sector.

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 wishing to progress into job roles such as hygiene compliance manager, hygiene manager, hygiene supervisor, hygiene team leader and hygiene process leader.

You will study a range of disciplines in the hygiene sector including underpinning science, design and management of hygiene practices, management of human resource, operations and environmental sustainability.
The approach to learning allows you to combine studies with work and apply what you learn with us in the workplace.
You will be working with others working in a variety of sectors with responsibility for hygiene, allowing you to share work and study experiences.

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 two mandatory qualifications;

Level 2 English, if not already achieved
Level 2 Mathematics, if not already achieved

How is the apprenticeship course run?

The course is designed for those working in a variety of sectors where hygiene services are required, providing a set of learning experiences and opportunities to allow them to demonstrate the course learning outcomes.

The structure has been designed to be accessible to apprentices from a range of industries. By the end of the 24-month period you will be able to achieve a Certificate of Higher Education as a Hygiene Specialist. A further 3-6 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 subjects in hygiene studies, such as the design of hygiene facilities, managing hygiene operations and systems.

To find out more about our apprenticeships, visit our apprenticeship information pages.

Hygienic Design

Whilst studying this subject you will learn about the fundamental elements of Hygienic Design and gain an understanding of the link between hygienic equipment design, facility design and cleaning and sanitisation.

Operations Management

You will focus on operations issues that are of particular relevance to hygiene in this module; providing you with an understanding of project management, continuous improvement, and resource planning.

Scientific Principles

You will develop knowledge and skills in the chemical, biological, physical principles, processes and controls involved in the management of hygiene in this module.

Managing People

In this module you will develop your management skills, providing you with an understanding of contract negotiation, human factors, and performance and change management.

Hygiene and the Environment

This module provides you with an appreciation of the potential environmental risks associated with the application of hygiene methodologies in the workplace and the regulatory controls that seek to manage those risks and impose obligations on business.

Hygiene Management Systems

The Hygiene Management Systems module addresses the procedures and practices involved in the control of hygiene in the workplace.

How you’re assessed

You will be assessed through a mixture of projects, presentations and schemes that are linked to your workplace and will enable you to provide evidence to demonstrate your achievement of the Certification of HE and will enable you to meet the occupational standards assessed in the End Point Assessment by industry representatives.

Careers and employability

This qualification will assist your career progression within the hygiene sector. It is appropriate for a range of roles in areas such as closed plants, sterile environments, food production and laboratories.

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

Southwell Leisure Centre

Laboratories - Brackenhurst Campus

Entry requirements

English and Maths qualifications;

GCSE Maths and English at minimum grade C /4, or equivalent.

Applicants who cannot evidence GCSE maths and English at minimum Grade C/4, or equivalent, will be asked to complete a Maths and English Initial Assessment prior to joining the apprenticeship.

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.