Pembrokeshire College, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1SZ

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Food and Drink Maintenance Engineering

Food and Drink Maintenance Engineering

Woman wear lab coat inspecting food/liquid tank.

FDQ Level 3 Diploma in Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance

The Food & Drink industry includes major global companies producing everyday products, skilled engineers are needed to support the processing of these foods and help develop and maintain the required machinery.

AREAS:
ID: 41492

If not taken as an apprenticeship – cost:

POA

Is this course right for me?

The Food & Drink industry includes some of the world’s largest companies, responsible for producing many of the items we consume every day. From meat and fish to fruit, potatoes, milk, and coffee, a wide range of products are processed and manufactured with the support of highly skilled engineers. These professionals not only keep operations running smoothly but also design, develop, and maintain the complex machinery and processes behind food production. 

This qualification has been developed in response to local and national employer demand and learners should have an appropriate employer in place before applying for this course. This qualification is considered a hybrid qualification; studying the vocational and technical elements together.

This course normally runs one day per week, for 3 years, starting in September.

Find out more about starting an apprenticeship on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
  • Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics/Numeracy and Science
  • Life skills, experience and maturity are important
  • Each application is considered on individual merit
  • Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
If you have gained your qualifications outside of the UK we will use ECCTIS to check their equivalence to UK qualifications. Please upload proof of your qualifications as part of the application process.

Units to be studied include:

  • Principles of safety and environmental regulations
  • Installing, commissioning checks and decommissioning electrical equipment
  • Perform mechanical engineering operations
  • Perform engineering maintenance operations
  • Weld replacement components for maintenance activities i
  • Principles of quality and continuous improvement
  • Principles of maths and science
  • Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Management Information Systems (MIS)
  • Sustainability in food operations
  • Controlling energy efficiency in food operations
  • Maintaining, promoting and improving environmental good practice
  • Contributing to project management in a food business
  • Using representations, drawings and graphs in food and drink engineering
  • Principles of food and drink sector engineering
  • Principles of electrical installations BS7671 (2018)
  • Principles of electrical engineering operations in the food and drink sector
  • Automation in food and drink operations

The qualification contains a shared apprenticeship with the opportunity to be placed with local food and drink employers.

Learners have the option to complete course assessment/assignments or elements of the course through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. Visit our Welsh Language in the College page to find out what else is available to you.

  • Continuous assessment during the course
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Workplace evidence
  • Practical examination
  • Written examination
  • Online examination

This course can lead to numerous career opportunities including: Quality Control Technician, Mechanical Maintenance Technician/Engineer, Production Engineering Improver, Production Engineer, Materials Testing Technician/Engineer, Designer, Health and Safety Manager, Project Development Manager, Engineering Manager, Food Production Engineer, Engineering Section Leader, Maintenance Co-ordinator, Project Engineer.

This qualification allows progression to University to study an engineering related discipline such as a BEng or BSc or to go onto an apprenticeship at advanced level.

If you are thinking about studying at degree level following this course please visit the university websites or UCAS (University Central Admissions Service) www.ucas.com to check any entry requirements.

  • No additional equipment required
Any costs above are approximate and may change. For information on refunds and course cancellations please see the fee policy.

Are you an Employer looking to take on an Apprentice?

Find out more about apprenticeships and the advantages for you as an Employer on our Employer Training page.

Additional Information

Additional information

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Last updated: 08/07/2025
Disclaimer:
The College takes all reasonable steps to provide the educational services and courses as described above. Details are correct at the time of editing but may be subject to change without prior notice. Courses will not run if student numbers are insufficient. The College has the right to refuse individuals entry to courses in certain circumstances. Prospective students may be advised of more suitable alternatives, if appropriate. The entry requirements stated are those that are normally required to undertake the programme of study.
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