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Co-op Food Technologist Degree Apprenticeship

We’re looking for someone with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for food to join us as a Food Technologist Apprentice. If you’ve got a pro-active approach to work, a high-level of self-motivation and a commitment to personal development, we can offer you the opportunity to gain the skills and experience you need to build your career in food tech.

What we offer

As a Food Technologist Apprentice at Co-op, you’ll do work that matters in an organisation where principles are just as important as profits. You’ll also get a package that includes:

• a competitive salary of £19,400 (rising with progression)
• the chance to obtain a BSc (Hons) degree, fully funded by Co-op
• 28 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• 30% off Co-op own-brand products (increased from 20% until March 23 to help colleagues with the cost of living), and 10% off other brands in our stores
• networking opportunities with key partners and industry leaders
• flexible and hybrid working
• YuLife – a wellbeing app that rewards you for positive behaviours with discounts and vouchers for many of the UK’s biggest brands
• coaching, training, and support to help you develop your skills

What you’ll do

As our Food Technologist Apprentice, you’ll join our Propositions Team in a full-time, permanent role. You’ll be supported through a 4-year learning programme with Sheffield Hallam University, working towards your Level 6 Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship.

Over the course of 4 years, you’ll cover a variety of modules, from food innovation management to food nutrition and chemistry. All underpinned by work-based learning projects and on-the-job training. It’s an incredible opportunity to get a taste of our retail business while getting a degree without any of the costs of going to university!

As part of your role, you’ll...

• gain an in-depth understanding of Co-op’s codes of practice in relation to food quality, safety, and legal/ethical policies
• work collaboratively with a range of colleagues and suppliers to support new products from inception to launch
• attend grouped study sessions at Sheffield Hallam University for three days at a time, completing assessments at the end of each of the 4 years
• allocate one day per week to learning/study towards your qualification
• learn how to assess our supply base and select suppliers who meet our needs
• take responsibility for your own personal development and growth, balancing your work and studies, and utilising the knowledge and experience of your colleagues

Why Co-op

As the UK’s largest convenience retailer, we’re known for our fantastic food, support of British farmers and local food producers, and our commitment to Fairtrade and ethical trading.

We’re constantly innovating to make sure our product ranges delight and excite our customers and keep up with changing customer needs. When you join us, you can help to deliver our vision of ‘co-operating for a fairer world’ by making sure we source and create food with respect for people and the planet.

If you’re passionate about food and have the drive and curiosity we’re after then this could be the perfect opportunity for you.