At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative packaging for exciting confectionery products and collaborate with various teams.
- Company: Join Kinnerton Confectionery, a leader in the chocolate industry with a creative NPD team.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a starting salary of £24,784.76 and great career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy 25 days holiday, mentoring from experts, and a supportive learning environment.
- Why this job: Be part of the journey from concept to shelf, making a real impact in food innovation.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4, plus a passion for food manufacturing and packaging.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Have you ever picked up a chocolate advent calendar, a NOMO bar or a seasonal chocolate gift and wondered how it got from an idea on to a retailer's store? At Kinnerton Confectionery, our NPD team are at the heart of the business, creating exciting new products and packaging that delight customers across the UK. As our NPD Packaging Developer Apprentice, you'll play a hands‑on role in bringing innovative packaging concepts to life for major retailers and award‑winning chocolate brands like NOMO and Kinnerton Kids.
The formal learning part of your apprenticeship will be delivered by Lincoln University Centre of Food Manufacturing.
Position type: Temporary for the duration of the Apprenticeship (28 months)
Hours: 37.5
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Key Benefits: Earn while you learn on a starting salary of £24,784.76, with earning potential to increase up to £33,000 following successful completion of apprenticeship, Health care cash plan via Paycare
Start Date: Start working full‑time at Kinnerton from July 2025 within the NPD team. The apprenticeship course begins in October 2025 via University of Lincoln for 24 months
Advert Closing Date: 31/07/2026
Responsibilities:
- Support the development of exciting packaging solutions for NOMO, Kinnerton Kids and retailer‑branded products
- Assist with projects from initial concept through to launch and post‑launch review
- Participate in factory packaging trials and testing activities
- Work closely with Production, Technical, Quality, Procurement, Commercial and Marketing teams
- Learn how packaging must balance creativity, sustainability, functionality and cost
- Help review customer feedback, product performance, retailer requirements and industry trends
- Assist with packaging specifications, project documentation and data analysis
- Attend apprenticeship learning blocks and successfully complete all coursework and assessments
In this role, you won't just observe – you'll be contributing to real packaging projects that end up on retailer shelves across the UK. You'll learn:
- How new confectionery products are developed and launched
- How packaging combines creativity, functionality and sustainability
- What different teams across a food manufacturing business do
- How customer feedback, retailer requirements and product performance influence future innovation
- How successful products progress from a concept idea to a finished product in store
You’ll gain exposure to the entire product lifecycle while building relationships with teams across the business and learning from experienced packaging specialists.
Qualifications:
- GCSE English Maths at Grade 4 (previously C)
- A genuine interest in food manufacturing, packaging or product development
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Good communication skills and a willingness to learn
- Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel
- Ability to travel to Lincoln for residential study blocks throughout the apprenticeship (accommodation provided by Kinnerton)
Rewards Benefits:
- Food Technologist Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification
- Practical experience within a leading confectionery manufacturer
- Mentoring from experienced NPD and packaging professionals
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days in total)
- 4% employer pension contribution
- Life Assurance x4 basic salary
- Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts
- Excellent career development opportunities within food innovation
About Us: Based at our Fakenham site, you'll join a creative NPD team responsible for developing exciting confectionery products and packaging solutions supplied to major UK retailers.
Application & Interview Process: Please apply online via our careers portal, upload your CV and answer the application questions. Successful candidates will be invited to Kinnerton to participate in an Assessment day consisting of a 1:1 interview, factory tour, and group activity. Kinnerton Confectionery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
NPD Packaging Developer Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3) in Fakenham employer: Kinnerton Confectionery
Kinnerton Confectionery is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-focused work culture, offering a supportive environment where employees can thrive. With a commitment to food safety and continuous improvement, staff have ample opportunities for skill development and career growth while enjoying the benefits of a balanced 4 on 4 off night shift schedule in the vibrant town of Fakenham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Packaging Developer Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3) in Fakenham
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like Kinnerton Confectionery. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like Kinnerton Confectionery, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at Kinnerton Confectionery!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Packaging Developer Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3) in Fakenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining Kinnerton Confectionery. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinnerton Confectionery
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at Kinnerton Confectionery.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at Kinnerton Confectionery.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
