Introducing MI Food Division Apprenticeships
Over the past six months, we’ve proudly launched our dedicated Food Division, and the momentum is already incredible. With 45 learners enrolled since launch and a growing pipeline, we’re making an immediate impact.
To lead the way, we’ve welcomed industry experts with decades of hands-on experience in food production, including butchery and abattoir operations. Together, our tutors bring 100+ years of practical knowledge, ensuring learners gain qualifications rooted in real-world practice—and employers benefit from skilled, confident teams ready to raise standards and drive growth.
This new chapter for MI is built on trusted expertise, innovation, and a passion for excellence. Whether you’re looking to elevate your workforce or advance your career in the food sector, we’re here to help you thrive
Butcher Level 2 Apprenticeship Overview
The Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship from MI provides learners with the opportunity to develop the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to work effectively in a modern butchery environment. Over a 12–15 month period, apprentices will gain hands-on experience and build confidence in their craft while learning industry standards and best practices. The programme focuses on developing practical butchery techniques, understanding food safety and hygiene regulations, and mastering the preparation and presentation of meat products.
In addition to technical skills, apprentices will cultivate key workplace behaviours such as attention to detail, teamwork, communication, and customer service. They will learn how to work efficiently under pressure, maintain high standards of quality, and demonstrate a professional approach to health and safety. By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be equipped with the competence and confidence to deliver exceptional service in retail, catering, or processing environments.
Dedicated Learning and Development Coach will familiarise themselves with your organisation and its culture to ensure we deliver an apprenticeship programme that is relevant to your business and creates impact. Throughout the apprenticeship journey, your apprentices will be encouraged, challenged and support to reach maximum potential, starting with a comprehensive induction and progressing through engaging, blended learning modules.
At MI we offer both the process and retail apprenticeship routes.
Advanced Butcher Level 3
The Level 3 Advanced Butcher Apprenticeship from MI provides learners with the opportunity to develop advanced technical skills, in-depth knowledge, and professional behaviours required to excel in a modern butchery environment. Over an 18–22 month period, apprentices will gain extensive hands-on experience, refine their craft, and build confidence in managing complex tasks and responsibilities.
This programme goes beyond basic butchery techniques, focusing on areas such as:
- Advanced meat preparation and cutting methods, including specialist and bespoke cuts.
- Food safety and compliance at a supervisory level, ensuring adherence to industry regulations.
- Stock control and waste reduction strategies, promoting efficiency and sustainability.
- Customer service excellence, including advising on product selection and cooking methods.
- Leadership and mentoring skills, preparing apprentices to supervise and train junior team members.
By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be equipped to take on senior roles within retail, catering, or processing environments, demonstrating mastery of technical skills alongside strong leadership and operational capabilities.
Dedicated Learning and Development Coach will familiarise themselves with your organisation and its culture to ensure we deliver an apprenticeship programme that is relevant to your business and creates impact. Throughout the apprenticeship journey, your apprentices will be encouraged, challenged and support to reach maximum potential, starting with a comprehensive induction and progressing through engaging, blended learning modules.
At MI we offer both the process and retail apprenticeship routes.
Food & Drink Process Operator Level 2
The Level 2 Food & Drink Process Operator Apprenticeship from MI provides learners with the opportunity to develop the core skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to work effectively in food and drink manufacturing environments. Over a 12–18 month period, apprentices will gain practical experience in operating machinery, monitoring production processes, and ensuring compliance with strict food safety and quality standards.
This programme focuses on:
- Process Operations – Understanding and managing automated and manual production systems to maintain efficiency and product consistency.
- Food Safety & Compliance – Applying hygiene regulations, allergen controls, and quality assurance procedures to meet industry standards.
- Continuous Improvement – Identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity, and support sustainability initiatives.
- Technical Knowledge – Learning about raw materials, product specifications, and the science behind food and drink processing.
- Teamwork & Communication – Working collaboratively with colleagues and supervisors to maintain smooth operations and resolve issues quickly.
By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be equipped to operate confidently in high-volume production environments, ensuring products meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
Dedicated Learning and Development Coach will familiarise themselves with your organisation and its culture to ensure we deliver an apprenticeship programme that is relevant to your business and creates impact. Throughout the apprenticeship journey, your apprentices will be encouraged, challenged and support to reach maximum potential, starting with a comprehensive induction and progressing through engaging, blended learning modules.
Food & Drink Technical Operator Level 3
The Level 3 Food & Drink Technical Operator Apprenticeship from MI provides learners with the opportunity to develop advanced technical expertise, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of food and drink manufacturing processes. Over an 18–24 month period, apprentices will gain hands-on experience in managing complex production systems, ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards, and driving continuous improvement across operations.
This programme focuses on:
- Advanced Process Control – Managing automated and manual systems to optimise efficiency, reduce downtime, and maintain product consistency.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance – Implementing rigorous food safety, allergen control, and regulatory standards at a supervisory level.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Using data analysis and root cause techniques to resolve technical issues and improve performance.
- Leadership & Team Development – Supervising teams, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a culture of safety and quality.
- Continuous Improvement & Sustainability – Identifying opportunities for waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.
By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be equipped to take on senior technical roles within food and drink manufacturing, combining strong operational knowledge with leadership and strategic thinking.
Abattoir Worker Level 2
The Level 2 Abattoir Worker Apprenticeship from MI provides learners with the opportunity to develop the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to work safely and effectively within an abattoir environment. Over a 12–18 month period, apprentices will gain practical experience in handling livestock, operating equipment, and ensuring compliance with strict animal welfare, food safety, and hygiene standards
This programme focuses on:
- Animal Welfare & Ethical Practices – Understanding and applying humane handling and slaughter techniques in line with legislation and industry standards.
- Food Safety & Hygiene – Maintaining rigorous hygiene protocols to prevent contamination and ensure product quality.
- Operational Skills – Learning to operate and maintain specialist equipment used in the slaughter and processing of animals.
- Carcass Handling & Processing – Developing skills in carcass dressing, trimming, and preparation for further processing or sale.
- Health & Safety Compliance – Working safely in a high-risk environment, including the use of PPE and adherence to workplace safety procedures.
- Teamwork & Communication – Collaborating effectively with colleagues to maintain smooth operations and meet production targets..
By the end of the apprenticeship, learners will be equipped to work confidently in abattoir settings, ensuring high standards of welfare, safety, and product quality.
