Food and drink process operator
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Food and Drink Process Operator apprenticeship trains you to operate machinery and processes in a food or drink manufacturing facility, ensuring products are made safely, hygienically, and to the correct specification. You will develop skills in quality checking, process control, and good manufacturing practice. This standard leads to senior operator, team leader, or technical roles in food and drink production.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Food safety, hygiene, and HACCP principles
Operation and monitoring of production machinery
Quality control checks and specification compliance
Health and safety in a food manufacturing environment
Manual handling and correct storage of ingredients
Documentation and production recording
Continuous improvement and waste reduction
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up and operate food or drink processing machinery
Monitor production processes and check product quality
Record production data and complete paperwork accurately
Follow HACCP and food hygiene procedures throughout shifts
Carry out cleaning and changeover tasks on the line
Report process faults or quality deviations promptly
Work safely and follow good manufacturing practice
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 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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