Food Manufacturing Operations Degree Apprenticeship

About the role

Earn while you learn with Cranswick and the University of Lincoln. Gain hands-on experience in manufacturing, learning how products are made, teams are led and operations are managed. You'll work towards a Level 6 Manufacturing Manager Degree Apprenticeship, developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a future leader.

As an Operations Degree Apprentice, you'll learn how a food manufacturing business works from the inside. You'll gain hands-on experience across production, quality, planning and leadership, helping teams make sure products are produced safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

You'll work alongside experienced managers, develop problem-solving skills, support improvement projects and learn how to lead people and processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Over time, you'll build the knowledge and experience needed to become a future Operations leader.

Training

Training will combine practical experience at your Cranswick site with study towards the Level 6 Food Manufacturing Management Degree Apprenticeship delivered by the University of Lincoln.

Apprentices will attend regular university learning sessions and complete workplace-based projects throughout the programme.

Alongside university study, you'll take part in structured internal training covering food manufacturing, health and safety, quality, leadership, continuous improvement, operational excellence and people management.

You'll also have opportunities to network with apprentices across the business, attend knowledge-sharing sessions and learn from experienced managers and leaders.

Training will take place throughout the programme, with dedicated off-the-job learning time.

Apprenticeship standard: Manufacturing manager (integrated degree) (level 6)

Training provider: UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

After your apprenticeship

Successful apprentices will typically progress into supervisory and management roles within Operations. Depending on performance and business opportunities, potential career paths include:

• Production Supervisor
• Shift Manager
• Operations Manager
• Manufacturing Manager
• Site Leadership roles

During the programme, you'll gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to lead teams, manage production processes, drive continuous improvement and support business performance within one of the UK's leading food manufacturers.

Many of our future leaders begin their careers through apprenticeships, making this an excellent pathway into a long-term management career with Cranswick.

Working hours

4 on 4 off shift pattern, typically 6:00am to 6:00pm, with structured breaks throughout the day. Dedicated time for university study, training and development is included as part of the apprenticeship programme.

40 hours a week

Duration: 3 Years 6 Months

Possible start date: 1 October 2027

Wage

£16,640 to £26,436.80 a year

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Initiative

Qualifications

• GCSE English (grade 4 +), essential
• GCSE Maths (grade 4 +), essential
• A Level Any (grade C+), essential

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary above the National Minimum Wage, you'll benefit from a company pension scheme, Share Save Scheme, employee discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme, funded university tuition, structured development, mentoring support and excellent long-term career opportunities across the Cranswick Group.

About the employer

Cranswick is one of the UK's biggest food manufacturers, producing products sold in major supermarkets and enjoyed by millions of people every day. With sites across the UK, we offer exciting career opportunities, hands-on experience, great development programmes and the chance to earn while you learn with a business that's invested in your future.