Develop your production team with fully funded training
We help food and drink manufacturers across the UK recruit and train staff through industry-approved apprenticeship programmes tailored to operational and technical roles.
Food And Drink Process Operator
Level 2
Duration: Typically, 15 months (this does not include EPA period)
This occupation is found in the food and drink manufacturing sector.
Companies range in size, from small to large. They may produce one type of food and drink product or a range of products. Products may include biscuits, cakes, confectionery, fresh fruit, ready-to-eat and ready-to cook food, sandwiches, salads, soft drinks, and wraps.
Process operators typically work on production lines within food and drink manufacturing businesses.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to complete food and drink processing procedures to contribute to the manufacture of safe and compliant food products. They support technical operators to complete start up, set up, line changeovers, and shut down of food and drink production lines and machinery. They monitor product quality and throughput against key performance indicators. With a team focus, they prepare for the on-coming shift and provide handovers. Contributing to continuous improvement, stock control and audits is also part of the role.
Why choose us?
Consecutively rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all our providers within the group
Consistently above-average apprenticeship achievement rates
Fully Funded or Low-Cost for Employers
No Day Release – Flexible, On-Site or Remote Delivery
Support with Apprentice Recruitment
Tailored Delivery to Suit Your Operations and Shifts
Additional Embedded Qualifications as part of the Apprenticeship Program
Complimentary or Discounted Access to Short Courses (e.g. HACCP, Lean, Health & Safety)
At High Ridge Training we understand the pressures and priorities within fast-paced food production environments — and our programmes are designed to enhance performance, safety, and staff retention
Food and Drink Technical Operator
Level 3
Duration: Typically, 30 months (this does not include EPA period)
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the manufacture of quality food and drink products. They conduct start-up, close-down, changeover, and handovers in the manufacturing process, often using highly automated equipment and technology. They keep the manufacturing process running through operating machinery, front-line fault diagnosis and resolution, asset care, and performing basic maintenance.
A key focus for technical operators is food safety, through monitoring Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points and recording the results. As they operate in a regulated environment, they may be involved in conducting internal audits and supporting external audits to demonstrate compliance. Demonstrating compliance will also involve completing and updating documents, risk assessments, and completing traceability records.
Food and drink manufacturing is often a team activity. Technical operators may help to develop and support others through training and setting an example. They strive to continuously improve performance and quality (considering safety, quality, driving value). They support the implementation of new products or processes. During incidents, such as fires, accidents or near misses, they implement incident management procedures. Manufacturing process technicians will spend time on the production lines and off-line while working on activities such as projects.
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Whether you're recruiting for growth or upskilling your team, our team can help you design a training solution that works.