Level 3 – Dairy Manufacturing Apprenticeship – Technical Operator
Introduction to Arla
This is an exciting opportunity to join Arla Foods in a new and upcoming Dairy Manufacturing Apprenticeship – Technical Operator role as part of our £179m expansion of the Arla Foods, Taw Valley site in Devon. You will work as part of a supportive team on-site, spending time both on the production lines and off-line working on improvement activities and projects. You will play a critical role in keeping our manufacturing processes running smoothly. This includes operating machinery, carrying out front-line fault diagnosis and resolution, performing asset care and basic maintenance, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety. A key focus of the role is monitoring Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and accurately recording results to ensure compliance and product integrity.
How you will make an impact
Throughout the two-year programme, you will gain an in-depth understanding of Arla’s end-to-end manufacturing processes, helping to produce well-known dairy products that meet our quality, safety and efficiency standards, all while following clearly defined procedures. This is a fantastic opportunity to start a long-term career in manufacturing, with clear progression pathways into a Technical Operator role in either Liquid processing, Logistics or Mozzarella production. Shift work may be required, including nights and weekends.
- Logistics hands‑on experience in cold‑store and warehouse operations, including order picking, inventory tasks, vehicle loading/unloading, and learning to operate box-packing, palletiser and forklift equipment.
- Liquid processing supporting operation, monitoring, and cleaning processing equipment such as separators, pasteurisers, various valve types as well as associated pump operations./ operating machinery, understanding health and safety, food safety, maintaining hygiene standard, handovers,
- Mozzarella production supporting with operating, monitoring and cleaning mozzarella processing equipment, ensuring rigorous food quality and safety standards are met.
- Develop knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP, health & safety and risk assessments
- Support start-ups, shutdowns and product changeovers
What will make you successful
Applicants must be able to commute to our site located in a remote, rural area. They must be aged 18 or over and have lived in the UK for at least three years at the start of the apprenticeship. (7th of September 2026) They should not be engaged in other full-time education and must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
What do we offer
- Hours Full-time role, 40 hours per week, with potential shift working as per business needs.
- Pay £21,000 per annum, with an increase following successful completion of the first year of the apprenticeship.
Would you like to join us?
For any further questions, please reach out to James Westwood via email james.westwood@arlafoods.com.
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.
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