Food Innovation Academy Apprentice (Food & Drink Academy)

Dungannon, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

1/14/2025

ABP Food Group is one of Europe's leading integrated agri-food businesses, with divisions specialising in food production, pet food and renewables. Over our 70-year history, we have grown to 14,000 strong team and have built a reputation for quality and innovation. Our Early Careers programme offers opportunities across all of our divisions including apprenticeships, graduate and industrial placement pathways.

ABP UK, part of the ABP Food Group produces quality fresh and frozen beef, lamb and frozen meat-free products to some of the nations leading supermarkets and restaurants, including a number of Michelin Star establishments -Find out more below about how to become part of team!

Introducing the NEW Food and Drink Academy

The Food and Drink Academy is a new, exciting apprenticeship programme launched by CAFRE and NIFDA. Starting in September 2025, you'll spend your first year studying at Loughry Campus and the next three years combining work and study with top food businesses in Northern Ireland. Earn while you learn and gain a Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree in Food and Drink Manufacture, validated by Ulster University. This unique opportunity blends academic learning with hands-on experience, setting you up for a successful career in the food and drink industry.

Join us and be part of this innovative programme that will shape the future of food and drink manufacturing!

Food Innovation Academy Apprentice: Shape the Future with ABP UK!

Location: ABP Dungannon, Northern Ireland

Salary: £22,000

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8am - 4.30pm

Start Date: September 2025

Why Join Us?

• Learn While You Earn: Combine practical experience with classroom learning to achieve a Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree in Food and Drink Manufacture, validated by Ulster University.
• Grow Your Career: Start with us as an apprentice, and who knows? You could become a future leader in food innovation.
• Award-Winning Support: Our Early Careers Academy has been recognised for its commitment to helping young people succeed.
• Endless Opportunities: With ABP, you can explore a variety of career paths-not just in food innovation but across food production, sustainability, and more.
• Friendly Team: You'll be surrounded by mentors and teammates who will help you every step of the way.
  
  

What You'll Do

As a Food Innovation Academy Apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience and insight into every department, including technical, commercial, operations, planning, purchasing, and more.

Here's what your role will involve:

• Innovate & Develop: Assist in creating new products and improving existing ones to meet market demands.
• Research & Analyse: Conduct market research and analyse trends to support product development.
• Collaborate: Work with various departments to ensure successful product launches.
• Maintain Standards: Adhere to health, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Track Success: Monitor product performance and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
  
  

Who We're Looking For

You don't need experience-just the right attitude and the drive to learn! If you're someone who:

• Loves working as part of a team and building positive relationships.
• Is curious, eager to learn, and ready to make a difference.
• Is organised and good at meeting deadlines.
• Has an eye for detail and likes to get things right.
• Feels comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas.
  
  

If this sounds like you, or something you'd like to explore, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Need

• Minimum of three A-Levels at Grade B, C, C, including one science-related subject.
• At least four GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English, Mathematics, and a science subject.
• Commitment to the 4-year Food and Drink Academy apprenticeship in conjunction with CAFRE.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to learn, the right attitude, determination, and ambition.
  
  

Future Career Path Progression

Upon completing your apprenticeship, you'll gain valuable qualifications and experience, opening doors to various roles within ABP UK. This apprenticeship is a stepping stone to advanced qualifications and specialised roles within the company.