EDEN Dairy Technologist Review
at Arla Foods
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Oakthorpe
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My role typically had me checking product compliance and quality and implementing CI systems such as 5S. I also led RCAs on site and managed projects such as product filling optimisation.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The program was excellent, with support from both mentors on site and lecturer's at the university.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have became confident in managing myself in a fast-paced work environment where I need to become rapidly.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The program was structured really well. We spent 3 days on site and 2 attending lectures, as well as 3 weeks doing practical work at university. My mentors on site would catch up with me routinely and I always had any support I requested from both sides of the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer was always ready to support me with any tasks and objectives I needed to achieve. While challenging, Arla Foods always ensured I was secure and prepared with taking next steps.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The university lecturers were always ready to answer any questions we had and I never had any issues with the quality of their support during my 2 years with them.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification gave me all the information I needed to excel in my role, which in turn helped me to apply that information in the real world.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are small organised events every year, namely a christmas party and a wellbeing event during the summer. Aside from that there are no direct social clubs.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arla Foods to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Arla has provided me with the perfect opportunity to kickstart my career. I applied for the EDEN apprenticeship straight out of A-levels, and I started working with them 2 days after turning 18. I didn't see me developing a career from university, but with the apprenticeship I was able to start working with the largest dairy manufacturer in the UK straight after school, while also completing a degree on the side.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arla Foods?
Everyone in this company is willing to answer any questions and organise meetings. I've reached out to many people who work outside of the site and even outside of the country, and everyone has been lovely and really willing to help provide any support I need. I have met with people from the front line all the way to senior directors and the supportive structure extends throughout the company. I do not think I could have started my career at a better company.
