Apprentice Food Technician

Summary

Experience in a quality role preferred, but full in-house training will be given. Ability to make clear fact-based decisions and practical problem-solving skills. Good IT skills including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Wage

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary increase yearly

Training course

Food industry technologist (level 3)

Hours

Monday- Thursday 7.30am- 4.30pm Friday 7.30 am- 11.30am

38 hours a week

Start date

Friday 5 September 2025

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Produce daily and ad hoc Quality information
The role will be a combination of both Technical and Quality
Daily patrol of shop floor activities, line quality checks and data recording
Acceptance of raw material deliveries
Perform audits (hygiene and systems)
To work in a manner that is consistent with the Swizzels Matlow values

Where you'll work

Unit 76
Erf Way
Middlewich
CW10 0QJ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

LINDEN MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED

Your training course

Food industry technologist (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Implement and maintain risk management systems (for example, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
Review and maintain technical procedures for food businesses.
Use a range of IT systems to analyse and interpret data to identify trends and drive Continuous Improvement (CI).
Provide and interpret management data and information (reports and presentations).
Conduct sensory evaluation activities.
Contribute to Continuous Improvement (CI).
Develop and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
Use problem solving techniques and investigation methods, including root cause analysis.
Influence and negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders.
Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders using technical language and methods appropriate to the audience.
Check raw materials, packaging and finished product quality against legislative requirements and specification.
Monitor and review manufacturing standards and parameters.
Support trials on new and existing products.
Investigate product non-conformance and recommend corrective action.
Contribute to the development and innovation of new and existing products.
Plan and produce samples suitable for all stages of the new and existing development process.
Contribute to the creation of product specifications and label content.
Contribute to the identification and selection of parameters for sensory analysis and shelf life evaluation.
Apply agreed standards to compare and evaluate against samples.
Compile product costings.
Conduct food product audits against standards and recommend areas for improvement.
Conduct food process audits against standards and identify non-conformities and recommendations for improvement.
Measure environmental conditions throughout the food manufacturing process and escalate non-conformities that could impact food safety and product quality.
Evaluate raw materials against agreed parameters and report non-conformities.
Measure and evaluate adherence to quality processing systems and standards.
Identify and communicate products and process issues and make recommendations for corrective action.
Oversee the implementation of corrective action to address product and process issues.
Carry out internal audits and participate in external audits.
Investigate and resolve problems, including customer complaints or quality issues.
Implement and maintain risk management systems (for example, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
Review and maintain technical procedures for food businesses.
Use a range of IT systems to analyse and interpret data to identify trends and drive Continuous Improvement (CI).
Provide and interpret management data and information (reports and presentations).
Conduct sensory evaluation activities.
Contribute to Continuous Improvement (CI).
Develop and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
Use problem solving techniques and investigation methods, including root cause analysis.
Influence and negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders.
Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders using technical language and methods appropriate to the audience.
Check raw materials, packaging and finished product quality against legislative requirements and specification.
Monitor and review manufacturing standards and parameters.
Support trials on new and existing products.
Investigate product non-conformance and recommend corrective action.

Your training plan

This training plan has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

Other requirements

The role will be a combination of both Technical and Quality

About this company

One of the longest running sweet factories in the world. We’ve been making sweets since 1928 and continue inventing to this day. The company has revenues of £47 million. It employs around 500 people. Swizzels Matlow exports 20 per cent of its sweets to more than 20 countries, mostly in Europe. Their highest selling brands are Love Hearts, Violets, Drumstick lollies and Squashies, with one bag sold every 3 minutes

http://swizzels.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

An annual performance bonus is payable at the company’s discretion. Free car parking is available on site. company sick pay. Staff Shop-Provides a substantial discount on Swizzels Matlow products.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Lead Food Technician

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