Thrive Group - Shepton Mallet are delighted to be supporting our client are actively looking to recruit for Level 3 - Dairy Manufacturing Apprenticeship - Technical Operator leading towards a permanent position as Technical officer upon successful completion. Next Assessment #removed# - Start September 2026 - Based in Devon.

What you will be doing:

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.

What you can expect:

Throughout the two-year programme, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the clients end-to-end manufacturing processes, helping to produce well-known dairy products that meet 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,
• Dairy 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 you will need:

• Due to the location you need to be able to drive
• Aged 18 or over and have lived in the UK for at least three years

What you will receive in return:

• 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.

What you need to do next:

If this position sounds of interest and you would like to be considered.

Please contact the team at Thrive Shepton on #removed#

Thrive Group are acting as an employment agency in relationship to this vacancy.

If you have not heard from a consultant within 7 days, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

INDSHE