What's Food and Drink Technologies like?
Careers in the food and drink sector are as diverse as the food we eat! A Foundation Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Technologies can help you to move into an inspiring industry.
You could work in areas such as:
- food and drink science
- new product development
- technology and manufacturing
- nutrition
- design and marketing
Some possible jobs could be:
- baker
- confectioner
- quality assurance operative
- productivity technician
- production control operative
What's the qualification?
You’ll gain a Foundation Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Technologies. That's the same level of learning as an SQA Higher, which is SCQF Level 6. It includes:
- a National Progression Award (NPA) in Food Manufacturing at SCQF Level 6
- awards in Health & Safety and Food Hygiene at SCQF Level 5
- core units of an SVQ in Food and Drink Operations at SCQF Level 6
- a substantial work placement
What will I learn?
Your National Progression Award (NPA) will cover topics such as:
- Food Manufacturing: Fundamentals of Food Science
- Food Manufacturing: Food Production
- Food Manufacturing: Commercial and Social Drivers
- Food Manufacturing: Sustainability
- Elementary Food Hygiene
- Elementary Health and Safety
Your learning will be a blend of hands-on, practical and virtual work. You'll:
- respond to challenges set by leading employers in the industry
- present your ideas on new products to industry experts
- be entrepreneurial with your product development and marketing ideas
- develop and invent new products
- include current, sustainable industry practices
- pitch your product and solutions to employers
Your Foundation Apprenticeship will also help you to develop meta-skills. Employers value these skills, which include:
- communication
- problem-solving
- working with others
- time management
You'll need these transferable skills for working in a range of other related jobs.
Where could it take me?
Your Foundation Apprenticeship gives you lots of options, including:
- Modern Apprenticeship: When you complete your Foundation Apprenticeship, you’ll have achieved core units of the Food and Drink Operations Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6. If you choose this route, you’ll have a head start in your career.
- further education: Continue your studies with an HNC or Diploma in Food Science and Technology or related subjects. Your workplace experience will support your college application.
- university: All Scottish universities recognise Foundation Apprenticeships as equal to SQA Highers. You’ll already have experience in the industry – this will make your UCAS stand out from the crowd. This apprenticeship also provides you with 42 UCAS tariff points. Find out more about points on the UCAS website.
- straight to a job: Use your qualification and work experience to find a job in the food and drink industry. These could include baker, confectioner or productivity technician.
How will it work?
You'll do the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll work on projects with an employer and a learning provider, such as a college. It'll give you an industry-recognised qualification that's great for your CV.
Read our Food and Drink Technologies Foundation Apprenticeship info to see how it all works!
How can I apply?
If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.
Use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then fill out the form that comes next, to let us know you're interested. We'll get back to you with more information.