NPD Technologist Apprenticeship (Food Technologist Level 3)

What You'll Learn
Course contents

• Implement and maintain risk management systems (for example, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
• Review and maintain technical procedures for food businesses.
• Use a range of IT systems to analyse and interpret data to identify trends and drive Continuous Improvement (CI).
• Provide and interpret management data and information (reports and presentations).
• Conduct sensory evaluation activities.
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement (CI).
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
• Use problem solving techniques and investigation methods, including root cause analysis.
• Influence and negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders using technical language and methods appropriate to the audience.
• Check raw materials, packaging and finished product quality against legislative requirements and specification.
• Monitor and review manufacturing standards and parameters.
• Support trials on new and existing products.
• Investigate product non-conformance and recommend corrective action.
• Contribute to the development and innovation of new and existing products.
• Plan and produce samples suitable for all stages of the new and existing development process.
• Contribute to the creation of product specifications and label content.
• Contribute to the identification and selection of parameters for sensory analysis and shelf life evaluation.
• Apply agreed standards to compare and evaluate against samples.
• Compile product costings.
• Conduct food product audits against standards and recommend areas for improvement.
• Conduct food process audits against standards and identify non-conformities and recommendations for improvement.
• Measure environmental conditions throughout the food manufacturing process and escalate non-conformities that could impact food safety and product quality.
• Evaluate raw materials against agreed parameters and report non-conformities.
• Measure and evaluate adherence to quality processing systems and standards.
• Identify and communicate products and process issues and make recommendations for corrective action.
• Oversee the implementation of corrective action to address product and process issues.
• Carry out internal audits and participate in external audits.
• Investigate and resolve problems, including customer complaints or quality issues.

Training Schedule
Kinnerton Confectionery Co Ltd, Oxborough Lane, Fakenham, NR21 8AF

Requirements
Essential Qualifications

• GCSE in:
  • English (grade 4/C)
  • Maths (grade 4/C)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Patience

Other Requirements

• A genuine interest in food manufacturing and chocolate product development
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Good communication skills and a willingness to learn
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Ability to travel to Lincoln for residential study blocks throughout the apprenticeship (accommodation provided by Kinnerton)

About this Employer
Kinnerton is far from your typical brand. Pioneering the introduction of chocolate in the UK in 1978 under the Kinnerton Kids label, we have consistently evolved, securing our position as one of the UK's leading manufacturers of seasonal goods.

Our Fakenham site operates across three key production areas - Novelty, Nut, and Moulding, each led by a Plant Manager and supported by dedicated Shift Managers working on a 4 on 4 off pattern across days and nights. The site is a 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free-from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut-safe promise, we supply major retailers and co-manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over 5 million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast-paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.

As a key player in the Zertus UK & Ireland Snacking & Chocolate Market Unit, we collaborate with esteemed food manufacturers nationwide.
https://www.kinnerton.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days in total)
• 4% employer pension contribution
• Life Assurance x4 basic salary
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling cover), along with access to Paycare Perks for exclusive high street and retailer discounts
• Excellent career development opportunities within food innovation

After this Apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Once qualified, you will become a trained Food Technologist and can specialise in packaging, ingredients, recipe development with career routes such as NPD Manager. Or, you could move into food quality, innovation or marketing.

Ask a Question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
KINNERTON (CONFECTIONERY) CO. LIMITED
Molly Greaves
molly.greaves@zertusuk.com
07766242828

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000049794.

Apply Now
Closes in 13 days (Monday 7 September 2026)
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