Food Manufacturing Apprenticeships

What is food manufacturing?

Food manufacturing covers everything from turning raw ingredients into products, packaging, quality testing and distribution. From small independent producers to household names like McVitie's, Cadbury and Walkers, UK food manufacturers create the products you see on supermarket shelves every day.

Nearly 400,000 people work across 6,800 food manufacturing businesses in the UK, making it the country's largest manufacturing sector. It's worth £104.4 billion (which is worth more than automotive and aerospace combined).

What are food manufacturing apprenticeships?

If you learn better by doing rather than sitting in a classroom, an apprenticeship could be the right path for you.

An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with studying for an industry-recognised qualification. You'll work for an employer while gaining practical experience and building your skills. You'll earn a salary throughout – for both your work time and study time.

Food manufacturing could be for you if you:

• Are interested in how things are made

• Enjoy practical, hands-on work

• Are curious about food science, engineering or technology

• Care about sustainability.

The food industry is always evolving, too, with a huge focus on sustainable packaging, functional food and plant-based options, so there’s a chance to solve real-world challenges while building a long-lasting career.

Types of apprenticeship levels

You’ll find a food manufacturing apprenticeship at every level. These are:

Level 2 (intermediate)

Leaving school with some GCSEs? This is your starting point. You’ll find apprenticeships in food and drink operations, baking skills and meat processing.

Level 3 (advanced)

You’ll need five GCSEs including english and maths at grades 9-4 or A*-C. They’re equivalent to A Levels, and you’ll find roles as a food technologist or production supervisor.

Level 4/5 (higher)

These are foundation degrees and set you up for more specialist skills to become managers and seniors. 

Level 6/7 (degree)

You’ll work towards a bachelor’s or master's degree. Available degree apprenticeships include food science, food engineering, food operations management and packaging technology.

Want to know more about apprenticeships?

I have learnt many new skills during my time in the Technical department. Whilst completing my apprenticeship, I have learnt all about food technology, health and safety and maintaining legal compliance. I have attended many courses, including HACCP Level 3 and Auditing Level 3. Personally, I feel that I have widened my depth of knowledge, and I feel confident in executing my job professionally. Quality Assurance Technician, Premier Foods

What types of roles can you do?

When you think of food manufacturing, you might just think of working on the factory line. Think again. Food manufacturing is so diverse, and there are so many different types of jobs you can do. Here are some of them:

• Food technologist. You could develop new products and improve existing recipes

• Engineer. You’ll design, maintain and improve machines used in production

• Quality assurance specialist. Making sure food is safe, consistent and of good quality

• Supply chain manager. You’ll source ingredients and keep track of the process from production to delivery

• Food scientist. Researching new ingredients, preservation methods and nutritional improvements

• Sustainability specialist. Working on reducing waste and environmental impact

• Marketing and commercial teams. Understanding what customers want, building brands that sell and bringing products to market.

Where can I work?

You’ll find food manufacturing apprenticeships all over the UK at well-known companies such as Nestlé, Premier Foods and Unilever. There are also plenty of smaller companies offering some amazing apprenticeship opportunities, too.

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to work for Unilever? Here’s what this food professional said about their time there:

I'm enjoying the program a lot, everybody is really nice and knowledgeable, they are always willing to share their knowledge and answer the questions I ask. The knowledge I am gaining from university and working within the company is fascinating. I love learning, so this is a really enjoyable process for me. Sometimes the workload is a lot; however, if I need a bit of extra time for a project or an assignment, I can speak to my line manager. Food Professional, Unilever

How much will you be paid?

As an apprentice, you’ll be paid the whole time, whether you’re working or studying. How much depends on what level you’re doing, the type of apprenticeship, your employer and where you’ll be based.

On average, you could earn anywhere between £18,000 and £29,000 per year. Depending on your employer, your salary can go up each year of your apprenticeship.

Not only do you get paid, but you’ll get a whole bunch of employee benefits. These vary depending on where you’ll work, but on top of your holiday pay, you’ll also get perks like gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes and health insurance. They’ll usually mention these on the job description or in your interview.

How to apply

Most food manufacturing apprenticeships recruit throughout the year, with most of them starting in September.

If you’ve found a scheme you love, you’ll start with an online application. You'll share your qualifications, experience and why you're interested in the role. This is where your CV and cover letter will come in handy.

PRO TIP: Always tailor your application for each apprenticeship you apply for. 

If successful, you’ll then be invited for an assessment centre (loads of employers will get on the phone with you beforehand for a quick chat to find out more about you and your goals). You’ll take part in group activities and have a final interview. 

The apprenticeship process doesn’t have to be stressful, so we've put together a full guide to help you get there: