Food Technologist

This Advanced food technologist apprenticeship standard will provide you with a level 3, qualification. This apprenticeship standard was approved on the 25/08/2016 and typically takes 24 months to complete. However, it is important to note that the duration of the apprenticeship standard stated does not include the End-Point Assessment period.

Food technologists are responsible for ensuring food and drink products meet the relevant quality and safety standards. The role of a Food Technologist is varied; You may work within a laboratory-based environment to ensure the safety and quality of food products or to develop and improve existing and new products. Alternatively, you may work in factory-based roles alongside a specialist team to develop manufacturing practices, or within the supply chain to establish good relationships with suppliers and customers.

This standard will enable apprentices to utilise their expert knowledge to ensure the manufacture of food products is delivered efficiently and safely. The food and drinks sector is highly regulated and apprentices will develop a strong understanding of up-to-date food hygiene, safety and environmental legislation.

Apprentices will learn the basic principles of food science including microbiology and common food pathogens, food chemistry and food nutrition, and have the opportunities to apply this knowledge first-hand in the workplace.

Food technologists have strong problem-solving skills and will work to identify or investigate the underlying cause of an issue, then implement resolution strategies. You will typically work in a team and feel comfortable building professional relationships with both internal and external parties.

• Technical manager
• Product development specialist.

Visit the food technologist apprenticeship standard, on the Institute for Apprenticeships site, to find further information on skills and knowledge learnt, assessment methods and more.