Food Science Apprenticeship at Mondelēz International UK
Looking for a premium Food Science Apprenticeship that combines hands-on innovation with academic excellence? Mondelēz International is offering an outstanding Research & Development Apprenticeship in Chocolate Food Science & Technology in Birmingham, UK. This role is a unique job opportunity for life science students eager to gain real-world R&D experience while earning a university degree and working with iconic global brands.
About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International is a global leader in snacking, operating iconic brands enjoyed in over 150 countries. Through innovation, sustainability, and talent development, Mondelēz careers empower the next generation of food scientists, technologists, and R&D professionals.
Food Science Apprenticeship Details:
- Apprenticeship Title: Chocolate Research & Development – Food Science & Technology Degree Apprenticeship (2026)
- Company: Mondelēz International
- Location: Birmingham (Bournville), United Kingdom
- Work Type: Full Time
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid
- Job Requisition ID: R-157008
- Application Deadline: 9 March 2026
- Start Salary: £23,000
Programme Overview
As a Chocolate Research & Development Apprentice, based at the home of Cadbury in Bournville, you will work within a highly skilled R&D team delivering breakthrough technologies and new product innovations across a wide range of chocolate products and processes.
This is a 4–5 year degree apprenticeship, combining full-time work with study toward a BSc in Food Science through Nottingham Trent University, delivered via block release and distance learning.
What You’ll Be Doing Across the Apprenticeship
- Build technical expertise across cocoa processing, chocolate making, moulding, and wrapping
- Apply food science principles to interpret experimental and trial results
- Support implementation of breakthrough technologies and new product innovations
- Identify continuous improvement opportunities within R&D and the Pilot Plant
- Develop project management and problem-solving skills
Years 1–2: Pilot Plant
- Based within the Pilot Plant & Facilities Team (Global Process Technology & Productivity)
- Training in cocoa processing, chocolate making, and depositing technologies
- Support trial planning with product and process developers
- Assist with sourcing, installation, commissioning, and training for new equipment
- Execute trials and build hands-on equipment expertise
Years 3–4: Projects
- Support category growth and innovation projects
- Build project management experience
- Take ownership of an individual placement project (scoping, trial planning, execution, and reporting)
- Toward the end of the apprenticeship, you will be supported to apply for suitable internal roles to continue your career at Mondelēz International.
What You’ll Bring
- Action-oriented mindset with initiative and curiosity
- Strong organization and time-management skills
- Problem-solving ability with attention to detail
- Confident communicator with ability to reinforce GMP, Health, Safety & Environmental procedures
- Adaptable interpersonal skills for cross-functional R&D collaboration
- Resilience and perseverance in a fast-paced environment
Education & Entry Requirements
- Typically 112 UCAS points from up to 4 qualifications
- A-level (or equivalent) in a Science subject
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above
- Must apply to and be accepted by Nottingham Trent University after receiving an offer from Mondelēz
Travel & Work Schedule
- Block release attendance at university (travel expenses covered by Mondelēz)
- A combination of on-the-job training, distance learning, and off-the-job study time
Salary & Benefits of Food Science Apprenticeship
- Starting salary: £23,000
- Annual pay reviews and performance-related bonus
- 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Flexible working
- Contributory pension
- Life assurance
- Flexible benefits programme
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: Monday, 9 March 2026
- Final Assessment Centre: Friday, 17 April 2026 (in-person at Bournville; reasonable travel expenses covered).
