Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship (Food Science & Technology) Review
at The Magnum Ice Cream Company
Degree Apprenticeship
Research
Sharnbrook
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
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
As an apprentice, my role is very hands-on and focused on developing practical and technical skills through real project work. On a day-to-day basis, I carry out experimental work in the lab, developing ice cream prototypes at small scale and supporting scale-up activities in the pilot plant and factory. I regularly run ice cream tastings and carry out quality measurements, then analyse the results, interpret the data, and draw clear conclusions to guide next steps and project progression. Alongside this, I attend cross‑functional meetings with teams such as R&D, Marketing, Quality, and Supply Chain.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really value the supportive working environment, colleagues are always willing to teach, share knowledge, and help me develop new skills. The work itself is interesting and varied, and the rotation structure is a real strength of the programme, as it allows me to experience different team dynamics and gain insight into multiple areas of R&D. The university element also complements the role well, reinforcing what I learn at work and providing strong academic support. One downside is that occasionally some tasks do not fully support my development, but overall the experience has been very positive and rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have developed my communication skills, scientific knowledge, understanding of the workplace, and personal confidence. I have also strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills through designing experiments, analysing results, and drawing conclusions to guide next steps. Managing lab work, meetings, and university commitments has improved my time management and prioritisation skills. Rotating across different teams has enhanced my adaptability, teamwork, and ability to work with a range of stakeholders, while also building my professional judgement and confidence in contributing to decisions within R&D.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well structured and organised, with thoughtfully planned rotations that allow apprentices to explore different teams and gain exposure to a range of roles. University weeks are clearly scheduled in advance, making it easy to plan around them, and the provision of a dedicated study day each week supports balancing work and academic commitments effectively.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The programme is very well supported throughout, with a strong focus on apprentice development. People are genuinely invested in our progress, take the time to listen to concerns, and actively respond to feedback to make improvements. Additional study days are provided around exam periods, and colleagues are always willing to support university assignments by sharing relevant industry knowledge and experience, which helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real‑world application.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Nottingham Trent University has been equally supportive throughout the programme. Lecturers are always available virtually to answer questions when we are not on campus and are very attentive and approachable during university weeks. I have consistently felt listened to and supported in my learning. In addition, regular progress review meetings involving both the training provider and employer provide a valuable opportunity to raise any concerns with modules and ensure support is put in place where needed.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are plenty of social clubs and activities available to get involved in, ranging from sports to theatre, so there is something for everyone. The site has excellent facilities, including a gym, tennis courts, netball and squash courts, as well as a football field and cricket nets. There is also a very active clubhouse, which helps to create a strong community and social environment outside of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The Magnum Ice Cream Company to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I’d recommend this job to a friend because it’s a really supportive environment with interesting, hands‑on work. You get to learn a lot, try different teams through rotations, and build real skills while feeling genuinely looked after. There’s also a great work–study balance and a strong social side, which makes it an enjoyable place to work overall.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Magnum Ice Cream Company?
When applying, be curious and eager to learn, ask questions, and show you’re willing to get stuck in. Stay open‑minded and adaptable, manage your time well, and most importantly be yourself, attitude matters just as much as experience
