At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to design and develop innovative packaging solutions for iconic British brands.
- Company: Premier Foods, an inclusive employer committed to diversity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 5 weeks annual leave, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to earn a BSc degree while working on real-world projects.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while shaping the future of food packaging in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Passion for packaging, 96 UCAS points, and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 23809 £ per year.
This job is with Premier Foods, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Based - Worksop
Permanent, Full Time
1st Year Salary: £23,809 per annum
5 Weeks Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
Interviews w/c 24th August 2026/ September for start in October for programme start in January 2027
Are you passionate about food and packaging design? Are you curious to learn how products go from concept to supermarket shelves? Do you enjoy problem solving and bringing ideas to life? Would you like to help shape the future of iconic British brands like Oxo, Bisto and Mr Kipling?
We’re looking for an enthusiastic Packaging Development Technologist Apprentice to join our expert Packaging Research & Development team at our Worksop site, to play a key role in designing, testing and delivering innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- As an apprentice, you’ll work towards completing the Level 6 Packaging Development Technologist apprenticeship gaining a BSc degree in Packaging Technology at Sheffield Hallam University (on block release), combining academic learning with real-world experience in a development unit located within our R&D centre at Worksop.
- Working closely with your Packaging Development Manager and Senior Packaging Technologist, you will:
- Turn ideas into reality by working as part of a cross functional project team to bring innovative packaging concepts to life, developing ideas from initial concept through to launch.
- Explore new technologies and materials that can improve packaging performance, have sustainability benefits or value improvement opportunities, and communicate developments to key stakeholders.
- Support and take ownership of packaging development projects, including factory trials, supplier onboarding, print runs, and product launches. Help define what success looks like for each project and ensure it’s delivered.
- Attend and participate in face to face and remote meetings, related to project work and other R&D activities.
- Get involved in factory trials and learn how packaging performs on real production lines, including setting objectives and defining success criteria for trials.
- Support implementation of new packaging and value improvement opportunities across manufacturing sites and co-packers.
- Collaborate and build relationships with multiple functions across the business including technical, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, marketing and innovation.
- Build relationships with key site operations and engineering functions and build levels of packaging technical knowledge within these teams, through hands-on training and use of external training through suppliers etc.
- Build strong partnerships with packaging suppliers to develop innovative packaging solutions for new products, core product improvements, sustainability challenges or value improvement projects.
- Identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. Support cost-saving initiatives and explore opportunities to bring 3rd party production in-house.
- Help maintain packaging specifications and packaging databases, ensuring correct data is captured. Maintain and correct cutter guides and sign off new artwork against packaging responsibilities.
- Ensure all packaging meets legal and regulatory requirements in the UK and internationally. Contribute to sustainability reporting, compliance documentation and data capture.
- Gain hands-on experience with packaging materials and machinery. Build understanding of wide range of packaging materials and machinery, ensuring that key performance criteria are captured as part of the specification.
- Support training and knowledge sharing within teams. Regularly review progress with your skills tutor and Packaging Development Manager.
What you’ll gain:
- Real world experience working on live product launches.
- Opportunities to collaborate across multiple business functions.
- Hands on learning in both office and factory environments.
The successful candidates will:
- Have a general interest in developing a career in the packaging and consumer goods industry.
- Have at least 96 UCAS points from 3 A-Levels or equivalent BTEC – Science-based, Maths, Design and Technology subjects preferred.
- Have GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
- Be computer literate (i.e.: knowledge/experience of Microsoft Office packages).
- Enjoy problem solving and have an eye for detail.
What We Can Offer You:
- A competitive salary, increasing each year based on successful academic and practical progress.
- Company pension scheme with life assurance.
- 5 weeks’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Access to a range of employee benefits, including:
- Staff discount scheme.
- Onsite subsidised canteen.
- Company shop.
- ShareSave scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- BOOST – our Apprentice Skills Development Network.
The Next Step...
If you’re ready to take a step and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference every day, click apply via our website and upload your CV.
At Premier Foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome. We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
Packaging Development Technologist Apprentice employer: Premier Foods
Premier Foods is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and diversity, making it a welcoming environment for all employees. Located in Worksop, the company offers a unique opportunity for apprentices to gain hands-on experience in packaging development while pursuing a BSc degree, alongside a competitive salary and extensive benefits such as a company pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and access to employee support programmes. With a strong focus on personal growth and collaboration across various business functions, Premier Foods empowers its employees to innovate and contribute to the future of iconic British brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Packaging Development Technologist Apprentice
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Dive into some local food tech workshops or culinary fairs where you can interact with professionals in the food science and technology sector. These events often attract employers looking for fresh talent, so don’t be shy about striking up conversations and making connections!
✨Join Food Tech Communities
Engage with online forums and communities dedicated to food science and technology. Places like Reddit or specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for apprenticeship leads, insider info, and networking opportunities. You'll also find others on the same journey who can share their experiences.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Consider starting a blog or social media profile dedicated to food science. Showcase any projects, experiments, or recipes that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for the field. It’s a fantastic way to catch the eye of potential employers like Premier Foods!
✨Apply Early and Often
With apprenticeships, timing can be crucial! Many companies, including Premier Foods, may have specific windows for applications. Stay ahead of the game by checking their websites and applying as soon as you see an opening. Don't hesitate to reach out directly to express your interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Packaging Development Technologist Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off Your Food Science Knowledge:When you’re drafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or projects in food science and technology. If you've got a particular interest in areas like food safety, nutrition, or product development, mention them! This helps demonstrate your passion and readiness for this apprenticeship.
Highlight Practical Experience:If you've had any hands-on experience, like working in a lab or a food-related setting, include that! Mention specific techniques or technologies you’ve used. Even if it's just a school project, showing that you can apply your knowledge in a practical context can really make you stand out to Premier Foods.
References from Industry Professionals:If you’ve had a mentor or teacher in the food science field, consider asking them for a reference. A personal touch can go a long way in the apprenticeship process. It shows that others believe in your potential, and it gives Premier Foods more insight into your skills and capabilities.
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, don't just say why you want the apprenticeship—be specific about what you hope to learn and achieve with Premier Foods. Maybe there's a particular project or area of research they’re known for. Mentioning it shows that you’ve done your homework and you really want to be part of their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Science
Let's be real – get ready to express your excitement for food science and technology! Talk about any relevant coursework, projects, or even personal experiments you’ve done. Remember, they're looking for someone who's genuinely keen on the field, not just ticking boxes.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
You can bet they'll throw in some scenario-based questions related to food safety or product development. Brush up on your understanding of processes like pasteurisation or shelf-life testing, and think through how you would approach solving a hypothetical problem. Show them you can think on your feet!
✨Bring Your Notebook of Experiences
As an apprentice, your past might not be extensive, but that’s totally fine! Bring along a notebook or portfolio, even if it’s just a collection of your experiences, such as any food labs you took part in, or cooking trials, and how they relate to real-world applications. It’ll help you stand out.
✨Get Familiar with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest food science trends—like plant-based alternatives or sustainability innovations. Being able to chat about current issues and express your views on them will show that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely invested in the future of food technology!
