Dairy Technologist Apprenticeship
ARLA FOODS UK PLC
Buckinghamshire, Leeds, London, Wiltshire
Closes on Monday 30 March 2026
Posted on 10 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Embark on a journey to become an expert in dairy and food manufacturing as an Apprentice Dairy Technologist. Over the course of two years, you’ll master the art of producing high-quality, tasty products for some of the nation’s favourite retailers within the food manufacturing industry.
- Wage
-
£21,000 a year
- Training course
- Dairy technologist (level 5)
- Hours
-
To be discussed at interview stage.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 31 August 2026
- 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 programme covers all aspects of dairy technology including practical hands-on craft skills, key science principles associated with dairy and the process improvement techniques required to run an efficient modern dairy operation
- Understand the principles of food and dairy safety
- Undertake a dairy professional project
- Working for a major food and dairy company
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Samian Way, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5EZ
- Pontefract Road, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 1AX
- Oakthorpe Estate, London, N13 6BU
- Northgate Industrial Park, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4WD
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
REASEHEATH COLLEGE
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.
Training schedule
- 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
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
About this employer
We are a farmer- owned cooperative, committed to partnering with farmers so they are guaranteed a fair price for their milk. We are the producer of Lurpak, one of the world’s most iconic butter brands. We are a Danish business, operating across the UK, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, North America, South America and other regions across the globe. Arla Westbury is the home of Anchor butter, and the largest butter and drying plant in the UK. Milk powder & butter from Westbury are exported all over the world, with Westbury Powder being used within several brand name confectionaries and desserts. Westbury Dairy is currently undergoing a £15 million upgrade to the effluent treatment plant and powder dryer, which will increase export opportunities.
After this apprenticeship
- You'll play a key role in our continual growth, embodying our values in everything you do
- At the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to choose the rotation you enjoyed the most and plan your future with the team that fits you best. At Arla Foods, the possibilities are endless
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
REASEHEATH COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000014345.
Apply now
Closes on Monday 30 March 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.