Food Technologist Degree Apprentice Review

I work in the Technical Department of Premier Foods Stoke, where I help with the process of our products, checking specifications, writing recipes and helping with on site problems for my assigned products. I have also worked in auditing and business improvement processing to help the business with money saving initiatives.

I have learnt many new skills whilst working for Premier Foods Technical Team. I have had courses in things such as HACCP and Food Safety, and even a course in site auditing. I have also been able to develop my team working skills, and leadership skills when running trials for new products.

I really enjoy my programme as it enables me to learn academically as well as practically. Every day is different, with new challenges and exciting products to try and help to bring to the shelves. Although studying whilst working can be very difficult, I know the hard work will be worth it in the end.

My programme is very well structured, with 4 weeks a year at my university. These weeks are planned out by the lecturers to ensure that they are engaging as we study for such long hours. I also have 20% of my hours dedicated to extra training or any studying that I need to complete.

My employer always try to support me with the different modules I undertake by either organising visits to different sites to explore topics more widely, or putting me in touch with people in the business who have a greater amount of knowledge of the topics I am studying. For example I visited our distribution center when studying logistic and distribution.

My training provider always ensures that lecturers are available to ask any questions we need. Although some lecturers are better than others, I can mainly always find someone to help me with my queries. The course leader is extremely helpful, and always keeps us up to date with things happening on the course.

My qualification gives me the ability to understand the processes we have with an evidence based opinion. It allows me to be able to understand our ingredients, and makes me feel more confident when suggesting ideas to improve recipes and processes. I also feel more knowledgeable about food safety and the different problems that bacterium can cause.

I am the charity champion team leader for my site. The team and I organise charity events to raise money for the company charity Together For Short Lives. Organising events such as coloured hair net days and a sponsored walk for a charity close to many of our employees hearts has helped me to make friendships within the business.

Yes

Premier Foods is a reputable business, with brands that are seen in every supermarket, and most households in the UK. By working for this company, you gain a great understanding of mass manufacturing, with its brands at its heart. Premier Foods also has fantastic employee relations and perks, and is always determined to make the business better for its employees.

Although emphasis is put on good A Level results when applying for a degree apprenticeship with Premier Foods, I think that having a well rounded personality is much more important, especially when working in a factory environment. Also, by having experience in any area of the food industry, you will show that you are passionate about the job you want to do.