Apprentice – Dairy Technologist – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

County Milk Products (CMP) is seeking an ambitious apprentice who will learn, develop and ultimately influence/add value back to our business. CMP is a family business of 30+ years and has multiple sites and multiple specialities within the dairy sector.

Wage

£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Wages to be discussed at interview stage.

Training course

Dairy technologist (level 5)

Hours

Shifts to be discussed at interview stage.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 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

The production of multiple dairy products, primarily dairy fats and powders
Supporting indirect functions to ensure our performance is at the appropriate level, i.e. technical, supply chain
Support the site production teams with ad hoc requests
Engage with central office functions and participate in specific projects
Use knowledge gained in the apprenticeship to improve our performance

Where you'll work

85 ADLINGTON ROAD
WILMSLOW
SK9 2BT

Training

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

College or training organisation

REASEHEATH COLLEGE

Your training course

Dairy technologist (level 5)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Apply food safety management systems.
Apply food and dairy hygiene practice principles.
Comply with food safety regulations and procedures.
Comply with health and safety regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
Comply with environmental regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
Apply sustainable working practices. For example, efficient use of resources, waste minimisation.
Apply quality control processes.
Apply extended knowledge of underlying dairy concepts.
Identify, review and evaluate, and select scientific techniques, procedures, and methods in the context of new and different areas of work.
Apply scientific techniques, procedures, and methods to undertake tasks.
Apply engineering concepts and principles to analyse dairy performance.
Collect data. Analyse, interpret, and evaluate data, scientific and technology information, concepts, and ideas including use of statistical methods.
Apply changes to dairy processing unit operations.
Apply problem solving techniques, identifying issues. Propose solutions to problems.
Use continuous improvement techniques and make recommendations.
Apply project management techniques: planning and prioritising tasks, organising resources, managing stakeholders and risk management.
Conduct environmental impact assessments.
Develop technical written content. For example, operating procedures, working instructions, and reports.
Communicate with others for example, colleagues, customers, and stakeholders. Use industry terminology where appropriate.
Create and deliver presentations.
Negotiate with and influence colleagues or stakeholders; manage conflict.
Use information and digital technology.
Identify training needs. Coach individuals.
Apply food safety management systems.
Apply food and dairy hygiene practice principles.
Comply with food safety regulations and procedures.
Comply with health and safety regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
Comply with environmental regulations, guidelines, and procedures.
Apply sustainable working practices. For example, efficient use of resources, waste minimisation.
Apply quality control processes.
Apply extended knowledge of underlying dairy concepts.
Identify, review and evaluate, and select scientific techniques, procedures, and methods in the context of new and different areas of work.
Apply scientific techniques, procedures, and methods to undertake tasks.
Apply engineering concepts and principles to analyse dairy performance.
Collect data. Analyse, interpret, and evaluate data, scientific and technology information, concepts, and ideas including use of statistical methods.
Apply changes to dairy processing unit operations.
Apply problem solving techniques, identifying issues. Propose solutions to problems.
Use continuous improvement techniques and make recommendations.
Apply project management techniques: planning and prioritising tasks, organising resources, managing stakeholders and risk management.
Conduct environmental impact assessments.
Develop technical written content. For example, operating procedures, working instructions, and reports.
Communicate with others for example, colleagues, customers, and stakeholders. Use industry terminology where appropriate.
Create and deliver presentations.
Negotiate with and influence colleagues or stakeholders; manage conflict.
Use information and digital technology.
Identify training needs. Coach individuals.

Your training plan

Upon completion of the programme, you will graduate with a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology from Reaseheath College, in partnership with The University of Chester
Your course will combine hands-on practical experience with classroom-based learning at Reaseheath College on block release
You will also gain a Level 3 award in Health & safety, Food Safety, and HACCP, along with gaining a breadth of experience across all core elements of food manufacturing

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English, Maths (grade 4 / C and above)

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
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Team working

Other requirements

Based within a commuting distance of both Widnes and Wilmslow. Warrington is an ideal area. Preferably some experience in food manufacture or demonstrated knowledge.

About this company

CMP is a family business of 30+ years and has multiple sites and multiple specialties within the dairy sector. We are both traders and manufacturers. We cover liquid dairy ingredients, powders, dairy fats and sports nutrition.

https://www.countymilk.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Upon completion of the apprenticeship the candidate will have the opportunity to grow in our organisation. This is dependent on the candidate themselves. Within our factories, there is essentially a 3 stage career path for them: junior manager / skilled worker -> department manager -> site manager.

If the candidate pursues a career in our office function, the future prospects would cover all aspects of the business, commercial and financial included (if desired).

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: