SQA Review
at Premier Foods
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Consumer Products/FMCG
Liverpool, UK
Review Submitted: April 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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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:
4/5
In my role as Senior Quality Auditor and Interim Quality Manager Deputy, I am responsible for maintaining and improving food safety and quality standards across site operations. On a day-to-day basis, I conduct internal audits, GMP inspections, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to company standards, legal requirements, and customer specifications. I review quality systems, validate SOPs, and support corrective and preventative actions through root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
As part of my deputy responsibilities, I support the Quality Manager in overseeing the quality function, providing guidance to operational teams, and acting as a key point of contact during audits, investigations, and escalations. I am involved in managing quality incidents, supporting customer complaints, reviewing risk assessments, and ensuring effective communication between departments. The role requires close collaboration with production, engineering, hygiene, and supply chain teams to drive a strong food safety culture and ensure consistent product quality.
As part of my deputy responsibilities, I support the Quality Manager in overseeing the quality function, providing guidance to operational teams, and acting as a key point of contact during audits, investigations, and escalations. I am involved in managing quality incidents, supporting customer complaints, reviewing risk assessments, and ensuring effective communication between departments. The role requires close collaboration with production, engineering, hygiene, and supply chain teams to drive a strong food safety culture and ensure consistent product quality.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
As I am currently halfway through the Level 3 Leadership and CMI in Management and Operations programme, I have already developed several management and leadership skills that I am applying within my role. The programme has helped me strengthen my understanding of effective leadership behaviours, planning, and prioritisation, enabling me to manage workloads and responsibilities more efficiently.
I have improved my communication skills, particularly when working with different stakeholders, contributing to meetings, and providing clear and constructive feedback. The learning has also supported the development of my decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities by applying structured management approaches, such as root cause analysis and continuous improvement, in day‑to‑day operational and quality‑related activities.
Although the qualification is still ongoing, the knowledge and skills gained so far have increased my confidence, professionalism, and ability to support operational effectiveness and quality objectives. I continue to build on these skills as I progress through the programme.
I have improved my communication skills, particularly when working with different stakeholders, contributing to meetings, and providing clear and constructive feedback. The learning has also supported the development of my decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities by applying structured management approaches, such as root cause analysis and continuous improvement, in day‑to‑day operational and quality‑related activities.
Although the qualification is still ongoing, the knowledge and skills gained so far have increased my confidence, professionalism, and ability to support operational effectiveness and quality objectives. I continue to build on these skills as I progress through the programme.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well organised and clearly structured, with expectations and milestones communicated effectively throughout. The HR, Training, and Technical teams at Moreton are extremely supportive and approachable, providing guidance whenever required and responding promptly to any questions or concerns.
Regular support, clear communication, and access to the right resources have made it easy to balance the programme alongside day‑to‑day responsibilities. Overall, the strong level of support and organisation has created a positive learning experience and has played a key role in enabling steady progress.
Regular support, clear communication, and access to the right resources have made it easy to balance the programme alongside day‑to‑day responsibilities. Overall, the strong level of support and organisation has created a positive learning experience and has played a key role in enabling steady progress.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Overall, I receive a good level of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship. Management and department teams are generally supportive, and I am encouraged to develop my skills and apply learning from the programme within my role. Support is available when required, and there is understanding around balancing work responsibilities with apprenticeship commitments.
There are occasional challenges due to operational demands, which can sometimes limit protected time for learning, but overall the support remains positive and constructive. With further consistency in dedicated time and ongoing engagement, the level of support could be further strengthened.
There are occasional challenges due to operational demands, which can sometimes limit protected time for learning, but overall the support remains positive and constructive. With further consistency in dedicated time and ongoing engagement, the level of support could be further strengthened.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive an excellent level of support from my training provider while working towards my qualification. The assessor is approachable, responsive, and provides clear guidance and constructive feedback throughout the programme. Regular reviews, clear expectations, and access to resources have made the learning process well structured and manageable alongside my role.
Overall, the high level of support has helped me stay engaged, confident, and on track with my progress.
Overall, the high level of support has helped me stay engaged, confident, and on track with my progress.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification delivered through the training provider has significantly helped me perform better in my role. The learning is relevant and practical, allowing me to apply management and leadership principles directly to day‑to‑day activities. It has improved my confidence, decision‑making, communication, and ability to manage responsibilities more effectively.
The programme has strengthened my understanding of leadership and operational management, enabling me to add greater value to both my role and the wider team.
The programme has strengthened my understanding of leadership and operational management, enabling me to add greater value to both my role and the wider team.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are some opportunities to get involved beyond day‑to‑day responsibilities, such as internal engagement activities, training sessions, and professional development events. From a professional perspective, there are opportunities to network with colleagues across departments and participate in learning and development initiatives that support both personal and career growth.
While social or organised activities may vary depending on operational demands, the workplace encourages involvement in development‑focused activities and collaboration beyond core role requirements.
While social or organised activities may vary depending on operational demands, the workplace encourages involvement in development‑focused activities and collaboration beyond core role requirements.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Premier Foods to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Premier Foods as it offers strong opportunities for development, learning, and career progression. There is a clear focus on training, professional growth, and building skills through structured programmes such as apprenticeships. The business encourages continuous improvement and provides access to supportive HR, Training, and Technical teams, which helps employees develop confidence and capability in their roles.
Overall, it is a positive working environment that supports both personal and professional development, particularly for those who are motivated to learn and progress.
Overall, it is a positive working environment that supports both personal and professional development, particularly for those who are motivated to learn and progress.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Premier Foods?
My advice would be to be open to learning, proactive, and willing to take on new challenges. Premier Foods offers good development opportunities, but it is important to manage your time effectively and balance operational responsibilities with training or qualification requirements. Engaging with available support, asking questions, and applying learning in day‑to‑day work will help you get the most out of the experience.
Having a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement will support success within the organisation.
Having a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement will support success within the organisation.
