Food and Drink Apprenticeships
Train Process and Technical Operators
Hands-On Apprenticeship Training in Food Manufacturing and Processing with Government Funding Available
Food and Drink Process Operator
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard (ST0199, v1.1)
Role Profile
Food and Drink Process Operators support manufacturing operations on production lines to help deliver safe, compliant food and drink products. They set up and run equipment under supervision, complete processing procedures, monitor quality and throughput against KPIs, contribute to hygiene and audits, and provide accurate handovers between shifts. They work to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and strictly follow food safety, health & safety, environmental and sustainability requirements.
Typical Duration
12 months to gateway (plus a typical 3‑month end‑point assessment period).
Apprentices develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours in:
- Food safety & hygiene: HACCP, GMP, allergen control, contamination prevention, cleaning of tools/equipment/lines.
- Health, safety & environment: responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, PPE, safe systems of work, waste reduction and recycling.
- Production operations: following SOPs, setting up and operating machinery, completing processing procedures, conducting line changeovers and shutdown/start‑up.
- Quality & data: product checks to specification, use of performance data/KPIs, documentation and record‑keeping.
- Stock control: scan, control, monitor and rotate stock.
- Continuous improvement: applying basic CI tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen) and problem‑solving techniques.
- Teamwork & communication: effective briefings, shift handovers, and reporting procedures.
Course Content
Typical Job Roles
Food and Drink Process Operator
Production Line Worker
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Observation with questions (in the workplace).
Interview underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence.
Multiple‑choice Knowledge Test.
Overall grade: Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Additional Information and Requirements
Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths must achieve this level, and those without Level 2 must take the tests for Level 2 before EPA (adjustments apply where eligible).
Employers may set their own entry requirements.
Funding Information
Maximum funding band: £5,000
Typical non‑levy co‑investment (5%): £250
Progression Routes
Food and Drink Advanced Process Operator (Level 3)
Wider food & drink production roles and further technical training
Food and Drink Technical Operator
Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard (ST0196, v1.2)
Role Profile
Food and Drink Technical Operators play a key role in the manufacture of safe and compliant food and drink products. They operate and monitor machinery, complete production start‑ups, changeovers and shutdowns, carry out fault diagnosis and basic asset care, and ensure products meet quality and performance standards. They also support audits, maintain traceability, and contribute to continuous improvement activities while working to strict food safety, health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Typical Duration
30 months (plus end‑point assessment period).
Course Content
Apprentices develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours in:
Food safety & compliance: HACCP, GMP, allergen control, traceability, audits, and documentation.
Production operations: equipment setup, operation, changeover, and shutdown; monitoring KPIs and throughput.
Fault diagnosis & asset care: first‑line maintenance, lubrication, cleaning, and reporting issues.
Quality assurance: inspection, testing, and monitoring to specification.
Continuous improvement: contributing to efficiency, waste reduction, and process improvements.
Communication & teamwork: effective shift handovers, reporting, and collaboration across departments.
Typical Job Roles
Food and Drink Technical Operator
Process Technician
Manufacturing Technician
Advanced Operator
Technical Operator
Process Development Technician
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Practical Observation (demonstration of core and specialist skills).
Professional Discussion (supported by a reflective portfolio of evidence).
Both elements must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.
Additional Information and Requirements
Apprentices must achieve English and maths at Level 2 (if not already held) before reaching EPA.
Employers may set their own entry requirements.
Funding Information
Funding Band: £16,000
Non‑levy Employer Contribution: £800 (5%)
Additional funding support may be available depending on apprentice age and employer size.
Progression Routes
Apprentices can progress to:
Team Leader / Supervisor roles
Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer apprenticeship
Operations or Departmental Manager apprenticeship
Higher education in food science, production management, or related disciplines