At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating and improving food products while gaining hands-on experience across departments.
- Company: Join ABP Food Group, a leading agri-food business known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship and enjoy a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in product development with endless opportunities and award-winning support.
- Qualifications: Minimum two A-Levels or equivalent; must be 18 or over by September 2024.
- Other info: Flexible start date to accommodate your current commitments.
ABP Food Group is one of Europe’s leading integrated agri-food businesses, with divisions specialising in food production, pet food and renewables. Over our 70-year history, we have grown to a 14,000 strong team and have built a reputation for quality and innovation. Our Early Careers programme offers opportunities across all of our divisions including apprenticeships, graduate and industrial placement pathways.
ABP UK, part of the ABP Food Group produces quality fresh and frozen beef, lamb and frozen meat-free products to some of the nation’s leading supermarkets and restaurants, including a number of Michelin Star establishments. Our ABP Linden sites are an award-winning manufacturer and produce products for Marks & Spencer and other retailers too.
New Product Development (NPD) Apprentice: Start your product innovation career with ABP Linden!
Location: ABP Linden, Dungannon, Northern Ireland
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8am – 4.30pm
Reporting to: NPD Product Manager
Start Date: Negotiable – We will work with you around your current job or education commitments!
Why Join Us?
- Learn While You Earn: Combine practical experience with classroom learning to achieve a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Food and Drink Manufacture, validated by Ulster University.
- Grow Your Career: Start with us as an apprentice, and who knows? You could become a future leader in product development.
- Award-Winning Support: Our Early Careers Academy has been recognised for its commitment to helping young people succeed.
- Endless Opportunities: With ABP, you can explore a variety of career paths—not just in product development but across food production, sustainability, and more.
- Friendly Team: You’ll be surrounded by mentors and teammates who will help you every step of the way.
What You’ll Do
As a New Product Development (NPD) Apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience and insight into every department, including technical, commercial, operations, planning, purchasing, and more. Here’s what your role will involve:
- Innovate & Develop: Assist in creating new products and improving existing ones to meet market demands.
- Research & Analyse: Conduct market research and analyse trends to support product development.
- Collaborate: Work with various departments to ensure successful product launches.
- Maintain Standards: Adhere to health, food safety, and hygiene standards.
- Track Success: Monitor product performance and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need experience—just the right attitude and the drive to learn! Are you someone who:
- Loves working as part of a team and building positive relationships.
- Is curious, eager to learn, and ready to make a difference.
- Is organised and good at meeting deadlines.
- Has an eye for detail and likes to get things right.
- Feels comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas.
If this sounds like you, or something you’d like to explore, we’d love to hear from you!
What You’ll Need
- Minimum of two A-Levels or equivalent qualifications (including a Level 3 Extended Diploma or Level 3 Apprenticeship).
- Minimum three GCSEs or equivalent qualifications at Grade C or above, including English Language, Mathematics, and a science subject.
- Commitment to the 3-year HLA apprenticeship in conjunction with CAFRE.
- Willingness to learn, the right attitude, determination, and ambition.
- Must be 18 or over by September 2024.
Upon completing your apprenticeship, you’ll gain valuable qualifications and experience, opening doors to various roles within ABP UK. This apprenticeship is a stepping stone to advanced qualifications and specialised roles within the company.
Product Design and Development Apprentice – ABP Food Group employer: Christian Brothers Grammar School
Contact Detail:
Christian Brothers Grammar School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Design and Development Apprentice – ABP Food Group
✨Tip Number 1
Research ABP Food Group thoroughly. Understand their products, values, and recent innovations in the food industry. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of ABP Food Group on platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any advice they might have for someone looking to join as an apprentice. Personal connections can often provide insights that are not available through official channels.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Since the role involves collaboration across various departments, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked in a team or overcame challenges. This will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in the food industry, especially in product development and sustainability. Being knowledgeable about current market demands and innovations will allow you to contribute ideas during discussions and show that you are proactive and engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Design and Development Apprentice – ABP Food Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what ABP Food Group is looking for in a Product Design and Development Apprentice. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills that resonate with your own experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences relevant to the apprenticeship. Emphasise teamwork, curiosity, and any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your interest in product development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to join ABP Food Group and how your background aligns with their values and goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-formatted and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at Christian Brothers Grammar School
✨Show Your Passion for Food Innovation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for product design and development. Talk about any personal projects or interests related to food innovation, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Research ABP Food Group
Familiarise yourself with ABP Food Group's products, values, and recent developments. Being knowledgeable about the company will help you answer questions more effectively and show that you're serious about the opportunity.
✨Prepare Examples of Teamwork
Since teamwork is crucial for this role, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships and contribute to a team environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the apprenticeship structure, opportunities for growth, or the types of projects you might work on. It shows your eagerness to learn and engage.