R&D Desserts Apprentice Technologist Review
at Premier Foods
Degree Apprenticeship
Manufacturing, Research, Science
Lifton
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
4.6/5
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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:
5/5
My role in R&D desserts at Ambrosia as part of the Premier Foods group involves some blue-sky innovation products researching new protein formulas for use in recipes, fat mimetics and other functional new ingredients, reviewing their performance in our products and testing new formulas. In addition I also re-formulate new recipes for existing products based on a need for cost-saving or materials changes, meeting with our other site teams, management and ,marketing teams on a daily basis and attending training seminars set up by my employer to advance our scientific knowledge in addition to attending two days of online tuition per week on my degree programme and quarterly 3-week practicals at the university of Chester.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The work placement at Premier Foods has been absolutely amazing, my team are so supportive and allow me to work to my strengths and the best of my abilities in a very highly skilled scientific team of technologists, I feel truly valued here and would recommend this role to anyone interested in the industry. The long commutes to Reaseheath college in Nantwich for my University of Chester degree are the only downside as the 3 week stays can drag a little and due to the course being led on a college site, some of the other students on other courses are younger and can be a little immature and the site less funded than a university campus would be, but the lecturers are fantastic and deliver the knowledge and skills despite these challenges.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since starting my apprenticeship with Premier Foods I have learnt many skills and exponentially improved my knowledge of dairy chemical systems, food production processes, thermal and fluid dynamics and flavour interactions and technologies used in the industry. Coming from a digital and media background, all this knowledge was new to me and through my amazing colleagues and mentors at Premier Foods I have flourished to truly feel part of the Research and development team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is structured incredibly well at Premier Foods, advancing me through basic projects to full development work already within my first year of my apprenticeship, the University of Chester Eden dairy technology programme is a little slower in comparison but still instills some very valuable practical experience of dairy technology and production that I might not have achieved in my role alone.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
As mentioned before my employer, colleagues and mentors at work have been absolutely amazing at developing my knowledge and supporting my growth in the Premier Foods R&D team, allowing me to work to my strengths, whilst building and challenging my weaknesses.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider, the University of Chester through the lecturers at Reaseheath college are incredibly knowledgeable about the dairy industry and are still valuable practioners in the industry, however I believe they struggle with funding limitations being based at a College instead of a university campus.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My degree qualification that I am studying as a Dairy Technologist FdSc provides me with the vital scientific knowledge behind dairy chemistry, dairy production techniques, practicals and thermal and fluid dynamics in addition to knowledge of microbiology and chemical training.
All of these are especially useful at our Ambrosia creamery site of the Premier Foods group and allows me to own a specific knowledge set within our diversly skilled R&D team.
All of these are especially useful at our Ambrosia creamery site of the Premier Foods group and allows me to own a specific knowledge set within our diversly skilled R&D 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
My workplace is very good at booking in external trainers, lecturers and team days and visits for us all to bond and develop as a team and professionally, we also have an R&D conference coming up across the whole company group, but I would like to see the development of hobby or sports clubs across the company, but this is difficult due to our rural setting.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Premier Foods to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Premier Foods offers a supportive and structured environment with strong opportunities for development. I’ve found the teams to be collaborative and approachable, and there’s a real focus on continuous improvement and product quality. It’s a great place to build skills, especially if you’re interested in food manufacturing, innovation, and working with well-known brands.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Premier Foods?
Be prepared to show your willingness to learn and get involved. Highlight any experience with teamwork, problem-solving, or continuous improvement, even if it’s from a different field. It also helps to understand the company’s brands and manufacturing processes, as this shows genuine interest. Finally, be yourself in the process, as the company values people who are proactive, adaptable, and keen to grow.
