Food & Drinks Technical Operator Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Two-year programme, commencing October 2025

Would you like to become an expert in dairy and food manufacturing?

As an Apprentice Food Technologist on a two year course, you will master the art of producing high-quality products for some of the nation’s favourite retailers. Upon completion, you will graduate with aLevel 3 Apprenticeship Standard as a Food and Drink Technical Operatorfrom Reaseheath College, combining hands-on practical experience with classroom-based learning at Taw Valley.

This apprenticeship provides an ideal combination of hands-on learning and real-world experience, setting the stage for a successful career in the dairy industry. As a Technical Operator, you will play a crucial role in our supply chain by controlling manufacturing processes, diagnosing and resolving faults, and maintaining equipment. You will ensure food safety standards are upheld, collaborate with a team to meet various requirements, and complete an End-Point Assessment to verify your skills meet industry standards. Upon successful completion, you will be guaranteed a full-time operator role on shift, with shifts operating on a 4 on 4 off basis, alternating between day and night work.

How you will make an impact.

Throughout the duration of your apprenticeship, you’ll be learning from technical experts of our manufacturing processes and our current Technical Operators who have decades of experience within our creameries. The best bit? You will earn as you learn!

• Raw Material and New Product Development: This includes an overview of the complete process from \’farm to fork\’, ensuring that all stages from raw material acquisition to final product delivery are covered comprehensively.
• Dairy Science and Engineering: This encompasses the fundamental chemistry of milk constituents, understanding the utility systems within a factory, and gaining a practical understanding of each piece of equipment or asset used in milk processing operations.
• Workplace Practices and Continuous Improvement: This includes health and safety protocols, good manufacturing practices, and the main tools and techniques utilized for continuous improvement in the workplace.
• Dairy Product Quality, Safety, and Sustainable Supply Chain: This involves understanding the moral and legal responsibilities of a business regarding product quality and safety, as well as exploring environmental issues affecting the industry to ensure a sustainable supply chain.
• Principles of Dairy Engineering and Operations: This includes gaining an understanding of the utility systems within a factory and having a practical understanding of each piece of equipment or asset used in milk processing operations.

What will make you successful?

To be successful in this apprenticeship, you must be 18 years or older by the 31st of August 2025. All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK for the duration of their apprenticeship. Additionally, you should have a passion for learning and be ready to embrace the opportunity to learn both on the job and in the classroom.

To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must have been a resident of the UK for a minimum of three years as of the 31st of August 2025.

What do we offer?

• Salary £21,000 Year one increasing to £24,000 in your second year.
• 26 days holiday & Bank Holidays
• Pension contribution matched up to 6%
• 4 x annual salary life assurance
• Access to discounted products in our Staff Shop
• People agenda commitment to training and development
• Flexible Benefits- reward gateway scheme- discounts with various retailers via my benefit platform.
• Your study will include a trip to Denmark to visit the Arla Innovation centre and Arla factory study tour. Accommodation, food and travel expenses will be paid for.
• Most importantly – Cheese hamper at Christmas!

Would you like to join us?

Please apply directly via our careers page. The closing date for this position is the11th July 2025and only CV’s sent directly via the application link will be considered. We may close the applications early should we receive a large volume of candidates so please don’t hesitate and apply today.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We\’re passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.

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