Results Consortium Limited is pleased to offer the Food Manufacturing Excellence (FME) pathway at levels 2, 3 and 4 for roles that deliver continuous improvement, increased productivity and lean manufacturing. This framework has been developed to meet the needs of employers in the Food and Drink sector who recognise this route to be a powerful development tool which is critical to business success.
The Improve Proficiency Apprenticeship (IPA)
This framework is known as the 'Improve Proficiency Apprenticeship' (IPA). The IPA contains options in the form of a portfolio of 'Improve Proficiency Qualifications' (IPQs) which, because they are part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, offer great flexibility.
Background
There are a number of complex issues currently driving the Food and Drink Industry in England including:
• Globalisation - companies are tending to relocate where cost advantages are identified
• Consumer demands - consumers are more concerned about health and nutrition than ever before
• Technology – innovative production methods are being introduced
• Environmental change – finding sustainable methods for food production is critical.
During 2010 research identified 9,300 workplaces in the English Food and Drink Manufacturing and Processing (FDMP) industry. By taking projected job losses and replacement demands into account, the UK Food and Drink Manufacturing industry will need to recruit approximately 137,000 new workers before 2017 in order to meet demand (equivalent to 31% of current employment levels). This includes 35,000 managers and senior officials; 9,000 professionals (high-skilled); 32,000 process, plant and machine operatives; 22,000 elementary roles (low-skilled).
Food and Drink apprenticeships will play a key part in meeting the recruitment needs across this massive sector. It is anticipated that having competent well trained apprentices will also improve the current staff retention difficulties being found in some areas. By allowing access to the apprenticeship by the wider population it will:
• Contribute to addressing the identified skill skills gaps in the Food and Drink sector
• Address losses in the sector because of an ageing workforce
• Encourage progression with regard to the shift towards ‘higher-skills’ requirements
• Help to bring about a more diverse workforce which reflects the community it serves.
Qualifications and Roles
The qualifications in the framework portfolio offer great flexibility and provide knowledge and skills for apprenticeships across the Food and Drink industries including Meat and Poultry; Fish and Shellfish; Brewing; Fresh Produce; Dairy; Milling and Baking. Within these industries are roles such as Specialist Process Operative; Team Leader; Technical Manager and Production Controller Facilities Support Technician. Industry specific roles include: Specialist Butcher; Slaughter Operative; Specialist Meat and Poultry Worker; Dairy Operative; Specialist Miller; Baker; Confectioner; Chocolatier; Specialist Cake Decorator; Brewer and Brewing Operations Manager; Soft Drinks Operative.
The higher framework (level 4) offers knowledge and skills for more advanced roles such as Organisational and Development and Continuous Improvement.
Higher Apprenticeship
The Higher Apprenticeship offers competency for more advanced positions such as Organisational and Development and Continuous Improvement. Skills at higher levels are needed to address the urgent need for food security and sustainability. The Governments ‘Global Food and Farming Futures’ project recommends fundamental change to the global food system if the rapidly expanding global population is to be fed in a sustainable and healthy way over the next 40 years. The following key challenges have been identified:
1. Balancing future demand and supply sustainably to ensure adequate and affordable food supplies
2. Ensuring that there is stability in food prices
3. Managing the food system during climate change
4. Maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.