Apprenticeships in Food and Drink

Major changes to Apprenticeships in the food and drink industry came into effect from 6 April 2011. New Improve Proficiency Apprenticeships (IPAs) were developed in collaboration with employers by the National Skills Academy with our partner company Improve Ltd. IPA’s aim to give companies control over the content and delivery of Apprenticeship programmes.

Grants to cover the full costs of training for employees of any age taking an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) will are available through a £2.2 million funding pot which can be accessed through National Skills Academy training providers.
Innovative new features of the Improve Proficiency Apprenticeships include:

• New sector-specific learning pathways in brewing, fish and shellfish, dairy and milling, to sit alongside revamped pathways in baking, meat and poultry and Food Industry Skills.

• A new pathway in Food Manufacturing Excellence focusing on vital skills linked to productivity improvement and lean manufacturing.

• The introduction of a Higher Apprenticeship at Level 4.

• The replacement of the requirement to complete an NVQ and a Technical Certificate with a single Improve Proficiency Qualification (IPQ).

• The option for apprentices to take ‘enhanced’ Apprenticeships at all levels, offering more in-depth learning.

• Additional units allowing training to be tailored even more closely to specific job roles.

• Additional qualifications as required.

For more information about Apprenticeships please email info@foodanddrink.nsacademy.co.uk

Or, if you would like to advertise your own Apprenticeship vacancies follow the links below:

Apprenticeships - Steps to make it happen

Apprenticeships - Recruitment made easy

You can also download the new Employer Apprenticeships Guide for more details.