What is a degree apprenticeship?

University is not the only route to success! Degree apprentices gain a widely recognised and valued degree, whilst gaining hands on industry experience - without the debt of university. In fact, apprentices completing a higher apprenticeship could earn £150,000 more, on average, over their lifetime. Degree apprenticeships combine academic-based learning with hands-on experience and training. Integrating the theoretical aspects of a degree with practical experience, degree apprentices develop the specific skills and technical knowledge necessary for a career in the food industry.

Our Degree Apprenticeships are level 6 qualifications in Food Science or Food Technology, which run in partnership with Harper Adams University. These Apprenticeships combine academic based learning with hands-on experience and training where you have a full-time role working within our teams at our operational sites. With salaries beginning at £21,840 and steadily rising each year, our Apprentices come out with a degree at the end of it, five years work experience and a permanent job, all without any student debt! Apprentices spend 4 one-week residential blocks at Harper Adams University each academic year for 5 years. The rest of the time is spent at our sites working within our Technical/Food Science Teams.

More about our degree apprenticeship: Food Science and Technology Degree (BSc Honours)

The degree apprenticeship in Food Science and Technology offers students the unique opportunity to earn whilst learning. This programme grants students the chance to work within the Avara Foods Technical and Operational teams to gain experience of the poultry industry, whilst working towards a BSc (Honours) Food Science and Technology degree.

Course modules include: Food Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Food Science, Hygiene and Food Safety, and Logistics and Distribution.

Apprentices play in integral part within the Technical team, initially joining as a Quality Auditor. Over the duration of the programme, apprentices work across a variety of departments and sites, dipping into a range of exciting projects – such as the Avara Laboratory and customer panels! At the end of the 5 years, successful apprentices will have accumulated the experience and confidence appropriate for roles such as Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager or NPD Product Manager. It also opens doors into other areas of the business, with opportunities to move into more production orientated roles, such as a Section Manager.

More about our degree apprenticeship: Food Engineering Degree (BEng Honours)

As a Food Engineering Degree Apprentice, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge and applied understanding of Food Engineering, whilst developing the practical skills needed to develop a successful career within the food manufacturing industry. The first year will involve technical training to operate as a Continuous Improvement or Reliability Engineer. This includes the development of practical hard skills, root cause analysis, trend analysis and maintenance techniques.

First year modules at Harper Adams University include: Communications for Engineers, Mathematical Tools & Techniques, Fundamentals of Mechanical Science and Fundamentals of Measurement. Over the following four years, you’ll be studying a plethora of modules to include Materials, Dynamics, Control Systems, Engineering Design, Mechatronics, Design & Control, Reliability Engineering and Project Management.

Throughout the degree apprenticeship, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain experience as a Shift Engineer, Project Manager and within the production side of our business. The variety and breadth of this apprenticeship means that you’ll receive the technical skills, workplace experience and industry knowledge for a successful career in Engineering.

Application Process

Next steps to take if you’d like to become an Avara apprentice…

Prepare: make sure your CV is ready and it stands out. Spend time practising interview techniques.

Get in touch: register your interest with us, at [email protected] and ask any questions you may have.

Apply: we usually begin recruiting for apprentices in the early Spring, so make sure you’re all ready to go by then.

Hear from the team

Rebecca Engineering Degree Apprentice
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LucyFood Science Degree Apprentice
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