Food and drink - level 3 apprenticeship framework
This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level three food and drink. This is the only level 3 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.
About the framework
This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 3 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the food and drink industry.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the sector.
Mandatory outcomes
Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in food and drink will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.
You must complete a combined competence and knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.
Mandatory essential skills
To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship, or already hold a recognised equivalent:
- application of number – level 2
- communication – level 2
- information and communication technology – level 2
However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.
Competence and knowledge qualifications – pathway options
To meet requirements of this apprenticeship, you must achieve a combined competence and knowledge-based certificate qualification from your chosen pathway. If additional units are required a diploma qualification can be selected instead of the certificate. In this case you will achieve more than the minimum requirements for the framework.
Pathway one: meat and poultry
Certificates
Diploma
Pathway two: baking
Certificates
Pathway three: food industry skills and technical management
Certificates
- FDQ Level 3 Certificate for Proficiency in Food Industry Skills 600/0478/2
- FDQ Level 3 Certificate for Proficiency in Food Management 600/8275/6
Diplomas
- FDQ Level 3 Diploma for Proficiency in Food Industry Skills 600/0479/4
- FDQ Level 3 Diploma for Proficiency in Food Management 600/8545/9
Pathway four: food manufacturing excellence
Certificate
Diploma
Pathway five: fresh produce
Certificate
Diploma
Pathway six: fish and shellfish
Certificate
Diploma
Eligibility and entry to the programme
You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme.
Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni level 2 framework in food and drink. Employers may also apply their own criteria at the recruitment stage.
You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you:
- have already gained significant work experience in your occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the level 2 food and drink framework and can show the capacity to achieve a level 3 standard
- have previously achieved a relevant level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the Level 2 apprenticeshipsni food and drink framework
See also the DfE operational requirements.
Duration
Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.
Related knowledge
For this framework, the participant is required to complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from the training contractor that the ERR has been completed.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to ensure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.
The apprentice must be employed from day one.
Further information
The content of this framework (Framework No 395 Issue 10: 01/24) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. For further information, contact: