Food industry technical professional (integrated degree)
Level 6 · DegreeHealth and science 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Food Industry Technical Professional (Integrated Degree) apprenticeship is a degree-level programme that combines food science, technical management, and business skills to develop future leaders in the UK food and drink industry. You will work across areas such as product development, quality management, regulatory compliance, and innovation. This standard leads to senior technical, NPD, or regulatory affairs roles in food manufacturing and retail businesses.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced food science - microbiology, chemistry, and nutrition
New product development and innovation processes
Regulatory frameworks and food law compliance
Quality management systems including BRC and ISO standards
Consumer insight, market trends, and product strategy
Sustainability and responsible sourcing in food supply chains
Leadership, project management, and stakeholder communication
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Lead or support new product development projects
Manage technical and regulatory compliance for products
Conduct shelf life trials, sensory evaluation, and testing
Prepare technical documentation for retailer or regulatory approval
Support quality audits and lead corrective action programmes
Analyse supply chain risks and sustainability performance
Present technical strategies to commercial and senior teams
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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