Food & Drink Technical Operator (Level 3 Standard)

The Level 3 Food & Drink Technical Operator apprenticeship is designed for individuals who want to develop strong technical skills within food and drink manufacturing, processing and packaging environments.
This programme suits learners who enjoy problem solving, quality control, process optimisation, and working in fast paced production settings where safety, consistency and efficiency are essential.
Apprentices gain the knowledge and capability to operate, monitor and improve complex manufacturing processes, ensuring products meet strict food safety, quality and regulatory standards. Skills gained are highly valued across bakery, dairy, brewing, confectionery, ready meals, meat processing, soft drinks, and wider FMCG sectors.

Applicants must have achieved GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above prior to enrolment.

Employers may set additional requirements depending on the technical nature of the role.

Hands‑on Training & College Learning

Apprentices are employed within food and drink manufacturing environments while attending college for structured technical training. They gain practical experience in:

• Food safety and hygiene
• Quality assurance and product testing
• Process monitoring and control
• Operating and optimising production machinery
• Continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques
• Root cause analysis and problem solving
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Regulatory compliance and audit readiness
• Data collection, reporting and process documentation
• Understanding raw materials, ingredients and product specifications
• Maintaining accurate production records
• Identifying and escalating process deviations
• Supporting changeovers, start‑ups and shutdown procedures

Apprentices also develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, decision‑making and working safely in highly regulated environments.

Progression routes include a Higher Apprenticeship, HNC/HND qualification or bespoke training modules.

For a comprehensive understanding of this programme and what it entails, please click here.

Training is delivered at our London Road Campus on a flexible model based on employer needs. This may include block release or 2-3 days per week, agreed at enrolment.

Apprentices are also supported through regular workplace visits from an assessor who reviews progress, observes practical skills and supports development.

Towards the end of the programme, apprentices complete an Apprenticeship Assessment/End Point Assessment (EPA), which typically includes:

• A workplace observation or practical assessment
• A professional discussion
• A knowledge test
• A review of workplace evidence (portfolio)

This ensures apprentices demonstrate the full range of skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the role.

This apprenticeship typically takes 30 months depending on prior experience and employer requirements.

Apprentices must be employed in a suitable technical operator role to complete the programme.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk