The Improve Proficiency Apprenticeship in Food and Drink - Non Statutory (Wales)

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Framework details

Framework ID: FR00896
Issue number: 3
Issued: 25 August 2011

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The Improve Proficiency Apprenticeship in Food and Drink - Non Statutory (Wales)
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Purpose

The Improve Proficiency Qualification (IPA)

This framework is known as the 'Improve Proficiency Apprenticeship' (IPA). The IPA contains options in the form of a portfolio of 'Improve Proficiency Qualifications' (IPQs) which, because they are part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, offer great flexibility

Purpose: The framework has been developed to meet the needs of employers in the Food and Drink sector.

Background: There are a number of complex issues currently driving forward the Food and Drink Industry in Wales including: Globalisation - companies are tending to relocate where cost advantages are identified; Consumer demands - consumers are more concerned about health and nutrition than ever before; Technology – innovative production methods are being introduced; Environmental change – finding sustainable methods for food production is critical.


Qualifications and Roles: The qualifications in the framework portfolio offer great flexibility and provide knowledge and skills for apprenticeships across the Food and Drink industries including Meat and Poultry; Fish and Shellfish; Brewing; Fresh Produce; Dairy; Milling and Baking. Within these industries are generic roles such as: Specialist Operative; Team Leader; Technical Manager. Industry specific roles include: Specialist Butcher; Specialist Meat and Poultry Processing Manager; Dairy Operative; Specialist Miller; Specialist Confectioner; Specialist Cake Decorator; Brewing Operations Manager.
 

Best suited pathway: The framework allows apprentices to follow the most relevant pathway for their roles. Along with the specialised pathways is a generalist pathway (Food Industry) for apprentices who are working with highly automated processing control systems that manufacture a variety of different types of products. Food and Drink generalist operatives usually work with automated processing control and monitoring functions. Their skills are often applied to high volume, high specification outcome products where mass markets are the driver for continuous processing operations. Other operatives working in Food and Drink industries tend to be more specialised within their field. They usually work with semi-automated processing control and monitoring functions coupled with batch production systems. However, batch operations may require some specialist subsector skills and knowledge. Role-holders need to be highly responsive to customer needs where the requirement is for flexible processing operations.

Higher Apprenticeship (level 4): This offers competency for more advanced positions such as Organisational and Development and Continuous Improvement. Skills at higher levels are needed to address the urgent need for food security and sustainability. The Governments ‘Global Food and Farming Futures’ project recommends fundamental change to the global food system if the rapidly expanding global population is to be fed in a sustainable and healthy way over the next 40 years. The following key challenges have been identified:

1. Balancing future demand and supply sustainably to ensure adequate and affordable food supplies;
2. Ensuring that there is stability in food prices;
3. Managing the food system during climate change;
4. Maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
 

Further information: can be found on the Improve Ltd. website (the Sector Skills Council for Food and Drink) http://www.improveltd.co.uk/

 

Download framework

The Improve Proficiency Apprenticeship in Food and Drink - Non Statutory (Wales)
(PDF document 8.27 MB)