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Discovering our Food Technologist L3 Programme
Introducing our Food Technologist Level 3 helpful blog
As we explored in our earlier blog just how important investing in Food Technologists and New Product Development is for any Food, Drink or Feed manufacturer, we consider in this helpful blog how the fully funded Food Technologist Level 3 apprenticeship represents a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers to invest in this area.
We look at what exactly is the Food Technologist Level 3 programme, the key and significant benefits Food and Drink manufacturers can expect by investing this programme, and why choosing the right training provider is so important to ensuring these benefits are realised.
What is the Food Technologist Level 3 programme?
The Food Technologist Level 3 apprenticeship is a vocational training programme designed to provide individuals with the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to develop within their roles and target future career progression, such as going on to become Technical Managers, Quality Managers, Production Leads and so on.
It is funded by the apprenticeship levy, so organisations of all sizes can benefit from funding to put their people forward for this programme. Upon completion the individual will achieve not only their Level 3 apprenticeship qualification but will also attain a Level 3 Diploma in Food Technology, plus Functional Skills Level 2 in English or Maths depending upon their existing qualifications.
Key Benefits of Food Technologist Level 3
We delve into the key benefits of the Food Technologist Level 3 programme below, showcasing why Food & Drink Manufacturers should seriously consider why they should invest in their people with this brilliant programme that has been built by the industry, for the industry.
Skill Development
The programme provides structured and comprehensive training that covers various aspects of food technology. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in areas such as food safety, quality control, sensory evaluation, and product formulation. These skills are essential for anyone involved in NPD.
Industry-Relevant Knowledge
The apprenticeship ensures that individuals acquire up-to-date knowledge and expertise in food technology. This is particularly important in areas such as NPD, where staying informed on industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies.
Understanding of Food Regulations
A Food Technologist Level 3 apprenticeship typically includes education on food regulations and compliance standards such as HACCP and VACCP. NPD professionals must be well-versed in these regulations to ensure that new products meet legal requirements, which is crucial for market entry and consumer safety.
Quality Assurance
Quality control and assurance are paramount in NPD and existing production processes. This programme emphasises the importance of maintaining high-quality standards throughout the product development process. This includes selecting raw materials, optimising production processes, and conducting thorough quality checks in line with organisational procedures and policies.
Innovation and Creativity
NPD requires a combination of technical expertise and creativity. A Food Technologist apprenticeship can help individuals develop the skills needed to innovate and create new products that meet consumer demands while adhering to technical and quality standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
NPD often involves collaboration with professionals from various disciplines, such as marketing, research and development, and manufacturing. The apprenticeship programme will support greater teamwork and communication skills, enabling individuals to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
Problem-Solving Abilities
The apprenticeship equips individuals with problem-solving skills, which are crucial in NPD. Identifying and resolving issues related to formulation, processing, or quality can significantly impact the success of a new product.
Project Management Skills
NPD projects typically involve multiple stages, deadlines, and milestones. A Food Technologist apprenticeship may include elements of project management, helping individuals coordinate and manage various aspects of the product development process efficiently.
Networking Opportunities
Our programmes often provide opportunities for networking within the food industry and sharing of best practices. Building a professional network can be valuable for accessing resources, staying informed about industry developments, and collaborating with other professionals in the field.
Choosing the right Food Technologist Level 3 training provider
When considering a training provider, it is important to understand their credibility and expertise, to ensure that your expectations of what the programme will deliver are met or even exceeded, and the experience of the learners is going to be of the highest quality. Proven track records, case studies, testimonials are all good pieces of evidence to showcase what can be achieved.
For example, we at CQM Training & Consultancy are specialists in continuous improvement/lean six sigma which forms a vital part of the Food Technologist programme. A significant part of our client base are Food & Drink Manufacturers so we are well versed in this industry, and you can see the types of clients we work with on “Our Clients” page.
Our development coaches are all highly skilled and industry experienced professionals, providing unique insights and real-world context. For our Food Technologist Level 3 programme we also provide practical days at state of the art facilities to get hands on with the latest technologies and processes.
Summary
Overall, a Food Technologist Level 3 apprenticeship is crucially important for developing effective Food Technologists and new product development as it not only provides the necessary technical skills but also creates a holistic understanding of the industry, regulatory landscape, and collaborative processes involved in bringing new food products to market.
To find out more about our Food Technologist Level 3 programme, you can visit our dedicated programme page, download our brochure or get in touch with our friendly team via the contact form below.