Maintaining machinery and equipment in the food and drinks industry, finding and resolving faults, to optimise production levels.
This occupation is found in the engineering function in the food and drink manufacturing sector. The sector uses highly automated equipment and technology to produce a wide range of food and drink products for consumers.
Food and drink manufacturers range in size from small to large. Technicians may work directly for a food and drink company or a contractor.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to maintain food and drink machinery and equipment to optimise production levels. They conduct planned and predicative maintenance to prevent issues occurring and also reactive maintenance for example, to respond to breakdowns. They lead or support food and drink operational teams with machinery change overs and set ups. Contributing to the installation and decommissioning of food and drink equipment and machinery is also part of the role. Working with other teams, they contribute to technical performance reviews and continuous improvement activities. They may need to contribute to food and drink audits.
They may complete work as part of a team or alone, depending on the task.
In their daily work, food and drink maintenance technicians interact with other technicians and engineers. They also interact with operational and site teams. This may include quality, and research and development. They may also have contact with auditors, regulators, and customers undertaking site visits.
They typically report to an engineering lead. They work with minimal supervision.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for using engineering practices that ensure food safety in line with food safety legislation. Keeping machinery and equipment available to meet production needs and outputs is key. They must comply with food safety, health and safety, environmental, sustainability, and engineering regulations and standards. They also must also take account of business operation considerations such as cost and service level agreements.
They are likely to be required to work a range of shifts, including unsociable hours.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 42 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the food and drink maintenance engineer, the qualification required is:
Diploma in food and drink engineering maintenance
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 4 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 12 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Written test
You will complete a test requiring long written answers. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
In the the test you can have:
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Engineering and Technology for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Mechanical Engineers for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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