Apprenticeship training course

Food and drink technical operator (level 3)

Working on production operations, setting up, and performing operational maintenance on food and drink machinery

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 30 months
• Apprenticeship category: Engineering and manufacturing
• Maximum funding: £16,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Advanced operator
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Process development technician
  • Process technician
  • Skilled production operator
  • Technical operator
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Interpret, follow and implement food and drink production SOPs.
  • Interpret, follow and implement quality assurance procedures.
  • Monitor production performance, stock usage and rotation.
  • Operate or use food and drink production tools and equipment.
  • Identify hazards (Critical Control Points) and control measures to mitigate risks.
  • Comply with food safety regulations and procedures.
  • Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures.
  • Comply with environment and sustainability regulations and procedures. Segregate, recycle and dispose of waste.
  • Monitor and inspect production machinery.
  • Apply basic maintenance practices. For example, check levels, parts wear, pressure, and sensors, and grease and lubricate.
  • Select and use maintenance hand tools.
  • Follow food safe engineering standards and practices. For example, use of food safe chemicals, check out and in of components.
  • Follow site isolation and lock off procedures (lockout, tagout).
  • Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
  • Apply fault-finding and problem-solving techniques.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
  • Collect and interpret information. Use data to apply changes
  • Record information - paper based or electronic.
  • Use information technology. Comply with GDPR.
  • Plan and organise self, others and resources.
  • Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders visually and verbally.
  • Communicate in writing.
  • Identify training needs. Train and buddy team members in the workplace.

Full information on Food and drink technical operator (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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