Food and Drink Process Operator Intermediate Apprenticeship

Year 1

In the first year you will learn the following: the need for and principles of quality management; environmental management system requirements; the food and drink sector businesses and principles within it; product origin and end-to-end supply chain; Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS); hygiene standards and food safety and health and safety in the food industry. Products: how to handle products and the effects of external influences on them. The operator’s role: how it fits into the wider business and adds customer and consumer value; effective communication skills and team working; how to use relevant tools and equipment in food production; the principles of Continuous Improvement (CI) in the food production industry and good manufacturing practice in the food industry. Performance data: understanding, interpreting and acting on it. Process operators typically work on production lines within food manufacturing plants. The industry uses excellent manufacturing processes and highly automated equipment and technology to ensure it remains competitive, and produces food and drink products to strict food safety and quality standards.
On completion of this programme, you will be able to carry out production operations using a range of equipment. You will also be able to carry out basic fault finding on the equipment you work with. You will be able to handle food products safely and hygienically. You will be able to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain quality and to ensure products meet customer requirements. You will develop an understanding of continuous improvement processes used in the industry and will know when it is appropriate to escalate technical issues to a specialist or more senior member of staff. You will understand food safety and its importance to the industry. You will be effective communicators who are able to work well with others. You will have a solid grounding in most aspects of food production and manufacturing and have a good level of product knowledge.

in the second year, you will be preparing for your endpoint assessment and complete your NVQ which is attached to the apprenticeship. You will continue to gain knowledge and understanding of the following: principles of quality management, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), hygiene standards and food safety and health and safety in the food industry. Also products: how to handle products and the effects of external influences on them, effective communication skills and team working, how to use relevant tools and equipment in food production, principles of Continuous Improvement (CI) in the food production industry, good manufacturing practice in the food industry, performance data: understanding, interpreting and acting on it.