What will this pathway qualify me to do?
To support continuous improvement, increased productivity and ‘lean’ processing and production methods through:
Organisation and Development Manager for business optimisation and improvement
Technical Manager undertaking technical projects within a production environment
Team Leader managing a team delivering food manufacture and processing objectives
Productivity Manager improving and sustaining productivity within a Food and Drink manufacturing organisation
What qualifications will I need to complete for the framework?
The principal qualification in the Food Manufacturing Excellence pathway is the level 3 Improve Proficiency Qualification (IPQ) in Food Manufacturing Excellence. Each IPQ in the Food Manufacturing Excellence pathway consists of three types of unit:
1. Occupational Skills (OS) the competency component of the qualification
2. Occupational Knowledge (OK) ‘knowledge’ component of the qualification
3. Underpinning Knowledge (UK) as above.
A level 3 IPQ Certificate must be selected from the Food Manufacturing Excellence qualification portfolio and each qualification has its ‘Rules of Combination’ (RoC) which stipulates how different types of units from the banks of units are allowed to be combined. Care must be taken to ensure that the units selected provide at least 10 credits for ‘competence’ and at least 10 credits for ‘knowledge’. It is recommended that units from ‘specialist knowledge’ (UK) are selected wherever appropriate.
Transferable skills: Key Skills in Application of Number at Level 2
Key Skills in Communication at Level 2
Functional Skills in Mathematics at Level 2
Functional Skills in English at Level 2
*Optional - Functional Skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at Level 2
Employment rights and responsibilities: Level 2 Award
Personal learning and thinking skills (PLTS): Level 2 Award
How long will it take?
Depending upon your motivation and opportunities at work to practice and demonstrate competence, at least 6 – 9 months.
How do I get into this?
Entry is available to individuals from all types of backgrounds who show a strong desire to gain a career in Food and Drink industries. Although entry does not require formal academic qualifications such as GCSEs it does require specific personal qualities.
To be successful in an apprenticeship the individual will need to demonstrate attributes such as: self-reliance, high motivation and good inter-personal skills.
It is likely that the individual will have gained some experience that will enable these personal qualities to be identified. For instance, having participated on an Improve Young Apprenticeship Programme or on a work related placement (especially within the Food and Drink sector) would provide evidence.
Entry conditions also include having a high standard of cleanliness and being able to follow strict hygiene and health and safety rules. Also, it is advisable that medical advice is sought about the suitability of the Apprenticeship if the individual suffers from a food related allergy.
Other options include:
· Academic routes (e.g. GCSEs);
· By completing vocational qualifications (e.g. Foundation Learning, 14-19 Diploma);
· Participation on the Young Apprenticeship, employer placements;
· Direct career progression from the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Food Manufacturing Excellence;
Access to this framework is open to all learners who meet the entry requirements regardless of gender, race, age or special needs. Providers and employers are obliged to uphold the law and equal opportunities policies.
Where will an apprenticeship take me?
Progression options from this route include:
· Onto the Higher Apprenticeship (level 4) in Food and Drink - Food Manufacturing Excellence pathway;
· Foundation Degree;
· Development into a sideway career change;
· In-house development programme.
Many career options become available to the Apprentice on successful completion.