Summary
A major part of your apprenticeship will be working across our multiple packaging lines, using state-of-the-art engineering and technology to package our cider. You will form part of the team responsible for maintaining, operating and fixing production lines and machinery and take responsibility for hygiene, wastage, planning and health and safety.
Wage
£20,800 a year
An hourly rate of £10 per hour.
Training course
Food and drink technical operator (level 3)
Hours
This role is based full-time in our production facilities, at Myrtle Farm and will include shift work that may involve weekends/nights/days- depending on your age and the department you’re working in. Exact working days and hours TBC.
40 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 1 September
Duration
2 years 3 months
Positions available
1
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
As an Operations Apprentice, you’ll learn everything there is to know about turning our apples into the finished products, from pip to pint!
A major part of your apprenticeship will be working on our packing line, using state-of-the-art engineering and technology.
You’ll be part of the team responsible for maintaining, operating, and fixing production line machinery, while also taking charge of hygiene, wastage and health and safety.
You’ll also learn the science behind the cider-making process and get the chance to work with our lab technicians and specialist cider experts. During the apprenticeship, you will have a mix of learning on the job, as well as workshops delivered remotely, by the College.
Some of the skills you will learn:
* Understand the full process of making and packaging our cider
Conduct essential quality control tests
* Operate and maintain state-of-the-art equipment across all 3 production lines
* Develop the technical skills to solve breakdowns
* Work with different teams to ensure timely and efficient production
This role is based full-time in our production facilities, at Myrtle Farm and will include shift work that may involve weekends/nights/days- depending on your age and the department you’re working in.
Where you’ll work
Myrtle Farm
Station Road
Sandford
North Somerset
BS25 5RA
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
Your training course
Food and drink technical operator (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
* Interpret, follow and implement food and drink production SOPs.
* Interpret, follow and implement quality assurance procedures.
* Monitor production performance, stock usage and rotation.
* Operate or use food and drink production tools and equipment.
* Identify hazards (Critical Control Points) and control measures to mitigate risks.
* Comply with food safety regulations and procedures.
* Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures.
* Comply with environment and sustainability regulations and procedures. Segregate, recycle and dispose of waste.
* Monitor and inspect production machinery.
* Apply basic maintenance practices. For example, check levels, parts wear, pressure, and sensors, and grease and lubricate.
* Select and use maintenance hand tools.
* Follow food safe engineering standards and practices. For example, use of food safe chemicals, check out and in of components.
* Follow site isolation and lock off procedures (lockout, tagout).
* Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
* Apply fault-finding and problem-solving techniques.
* Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
* Collect and interpret information. Use data to apply changes
* Record information - paper based or electronic.
* Use information technology. Comply with GDPR.
* Plan and organise self, others and resources.
* Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders visually and verbally.
* Communicate in writing.
* Identify training needs. Train and buddy team members in the workplace.
* Interpret, follow and implement food and drink production SOPs.
* Interpret, follow and implement quality assurance procedures.
* Monitor production performance, stock usage and rotation.
* Operate or use food and drink production tools and equipment.
* Identify hazards (Critical Control Points) and control measures to mitigate risks.
* Comply with food safety regulations and procedures.
* Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures.
* Comply with environment and sustainability regulations and procedures. Segregate, recycle and dispose of waste.
* Monitor and inspect production machinery.
* Apply basic maintenance practices. For example, check levels, parts wear, pressure, and sensors, and grease and lubricate.
* Select and use maintenance hand tools.
* Follow food safe engineering standards and practices. For example, use of food safe chemicals, check out and in of components.
* Follow site isolation and lock off procedures (lockout, tagout).
* Diagnose and resolve issues. Escalate issues.
* Apply fault-finding and problem-solving techniques.
* Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement.
* Collect and interpret information. Use data to apply changes
* Record information - paper based or electronic.
* Use information technology. Comply with GDPR.
* Plan and organise self, others and resources.
* Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders visually and verbally.
* Communicate in writing.
* Identify training needs. Train and buddy team members in the workplace.
Your training plan
Level 3 Food and Drink Technical Operator:
* Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Technical Operator
* Training is delivered in the workplace
More training information
Alongside your line managers and College assessors, our dedicated Talent Team will be there to guide you through your full Thatchers Company Induction as well as support you throughout your career journey, in the form of regular check-ins.
We’ll help you to complete a Food & Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship in partnership with Bridgwater & Taunton College and we’ll tailor a training plan just for you, helping you grow through attending business events and networking opportunities.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English (grade 4/c or above)
* Maths (grade 4/c or above)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Interpersonal skills
* Trustworthy
* Conscientious approach
* Motivation
* Passion for knowledge
* Resilience
* Positive, "can do" attitude
* Determination
* Responsible
* Flexible mindset
* Drive to succeed
* People person
* Goes the extra mile
* Passion to learn
* Thirst for knowledge
Other requirements
This is the perfect opportunity to take your first steps into a cider making career with our incredible brand. We know it is a big decision to take your first steps in a career. At Thatchers we ensure that we give you all the training, support and development you need to succeed. At the beginning of your journey, we will create a training plan that meets your individual needs and will then develop your skills and knowledge through a range of business events and networking opportunities. Thatchers is the industry standard for cider and we have worked hard to get to where we are and continually deliver amazing cider. If you have the drive to grow our brand, develop great relationships and work as part of a team, we want to hear from you. Thatchers is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.