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Pathway summary

Food and Drink Operations

Framework:
Food and Drink Operations
Level:
2/3

The food and drink manufacturing industry is an exciting, dynamic, fast-paced and competitive industry driven by innovation and new technology, suitable for people of all abilities and backgrounds. As the largest manufacturing sector in the UK (based on number of employees and financial turnover), it includes some of the country’s best known businesses and brands.

There are opportunities for people with different abilities, backgrounds and experience to enter the sector and develop and progress in their chosen career.

The food and drink manufacturing industry develops, manufactures, processes, packs and distributes food and drink products for sale in the UK and worldwide.

Pathway options and levels

Food and Drink Operations - Level 2

Supports the role of a Food and Drink Operations worker.

Food and Drink Technical Operations - Level 3

Supports the role of a Food and Drink Technical Operations worker.

Further information

Duration

Level 2: 18 months

Level 3: 24 months

Progression routes

Level 2 - Examples include: 

  • Into employment, for example, as a production control operative, processing control operative or quality assurance operative;
  • Direct career progression onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Food and Drink (Food and Drink Technical Operations) pathway or any other suitable to the apprentices role and career plans;
  • Development into a different role at the same level or higher;
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Level 3.

Level 3 - Examples include: 

  • Into employment, for example, as a production manager/supervisor, operations manager, maintenance manager or quality manager;
  • Onto the Higher Apprenticeship (level 4) in Food and Drink (Food Manufacturing Excellence) pathway;
  • Into further or higher education;
  • Career progression e.g. to a higher role, or specialised role at the same level.

Qualifications

Level 2: Diploma for Proficiency in Food Industry Skills.

Level 3: Diploma for Proficiency in Food Industry Skills.

What are the entry requirements for this pathway?

All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);

Level 2

Level 2: 

  • Academic routes (e.g. GCSEs, Welsh Baccalaureate)
  • By completing vocational qualifications
  • Participation on employer placement
  • Work experience
  • Training

Level 3

Level 3: 

  • Academic routes (e.g. GCSEs, Welsh Baccalaureate)
  • By completing vocational qualifications
  • Participation on employer placement
  • Work experience
  • Training
View full pathway

Document revisions

10 November 2021