Are you looking for an evolving and versatile career that combines different working environments and a range of skills? If so, the Level 5 Dairy Technologist apprenticeship could be the start of this and so much more! This article will give you an overview of what’s in store.
Dairy Technologist Job Description
Whilst you may have a keen interest in the food industry or be passionate about the future of dairy, you may still be wondering what exactly does a dairy technologist do? The purpose of the role is to ensure a culture of the highest quality standards and produce. Daily technologists provide expert technical advice to those producing the dairy products consumed on a daily basis. They are able to work in several different environments including a laboratory, an office and the production sites.
Dairy Technologist Responsibilities
On a more practical level, the roles and responsibilities of a dairy technologist can be characterised as the following:
- Be a source of specialist dairy knowledge: support the production of dairy products through every stage by providing advanced technical knowledge and advice to producers.
- Ensure high quality: conduct the necessary checks and provide the approved documentation to ensure that produce is of an excellent standard. Be proactive in identifying potential issues around quality of products. Endeavour to resolve any issues that do arise.
- Uphold cross-functional working: commit to continuous improvement and sharing of knowledge. Upskill individuals and embed a level of dairy knowledge across a variety of functions to ensure ease when working within and with other teams.
- Contribute to the future: make recommendations for how processes can be optimised and improved. Look for cost saving opportunities, to ensure the industry remains sustainable.
Dairy Technologist Apprenticeship
The job is varied and exciting, and an apprenticeship can position you well for a future in this role. Here is an overview of the duration of the apprenticeship and how it will assess you and deem you qualified.
Your training will take around 36 months. During this time, you will build a portfolio of evidence to document the work you undertake. Thereafter, you will arrive at the end point assessment (EPA) gateway. The EPA gateway ensures that you have met all the requirements necessary to begin the EPA.
Once gateway has taken place, you progress to the EPA period, typically lasting 6 months. The EPA assesses you against the occupational standard. All your training covers the competencies in the occupational standard. The EPA should be seen as an opportunity for you to showcase the skills and knowledge you gained from your training.
The assessment methods in the EPA include:
- Project with report: at EPA, you agree a title and scope for a project to undertake, alongside a 5000 word write up. The project and write up takes 16 weeks and is followed by a 50 minute presentation to an independent assessor.
- Professional discussion: a 90 minute professional discussion with an assessor regarding your occupation and the portfolio of evidence that is compiled over the course of your training.
- Long written test: a 120 minute closed book test where you respond to 15 questions.
To summarise
The dairy industry is constantly changing and evolving its processes. As such, the need for dairy technologists has never been greater. As you can see, the Level 5 Dairy Technologist apprenticeship is a great place to start to gain hands on experience and knowledge. The rigorous and stimulating training will ensure you are a credible and competent dairy technologist by the end. Additionally, you will have all the relevant tools to progress your career further, thanks to the solid foundation provided by the apprenticeship.