Chocolate Research & Development, Food Science & Technology Degree Apprenticeship

Mondelez International; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack company is seeking a Chocolate Research & Development Apprentice at their Bournville site. This 4–5 year apprenticeship involves hands-on training in chocolate making, project management, and collaboration with well-known brands like Cadbury and Oreo. The position requires dedication, a passion for food science, and 112 UCAS points from Science A-levels. Benefits include a competitive salary, flexible working, and a comprehensive training program with Nottingham Trent University.

Benefits

Annual pay reviews

Performance-related bonus

35 days annual leave

Flexible working

Contributory pension

Life assurance

Flexible benefits programme

Responsibilities

• Build expertise in a range of equipment and technologies.
• Support implementation of breakthrough technologies.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Build project management skills through on-the-job learning.

Skills

Action-oriented

Organising

Problem-solving

Interpersonal savvy

Informing

Perseverance

Education

112 UCAS Points from Science A-level or equivalent

GCSE English and Maths Grade C / 4

Job description

Job Description

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Matter. As an organization we are committed to developing the next generation of Makers and Bakers. Joining us at an early career stage in our fast‑paced and ever‑changing environment will enable you to do more, learn more and grow more. You will be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone – you may even surprise yourself! We will ensure you are given the support you need to be at your best and enable you to be yourself and bring passion and personality. Here you can lean in, speak up and bring your own flavor.

Working as a Chocolate Research & Development (R&D) Apprentice at the home of Cadbury in Bournville, you will work with some of our biggest brands including Cadbury, Oreo, Milka and Toblerone among many others. The team are responsible for delivering breakthrough technologies, new product innovations and building on our world‑renowned brands.

Responsibilities

• Build expertise in a wide range of equipment and technologies, understand the science behind our products and apply this knowledge in the interpretation of results.
• Support the implementation of breakthrough technologies and new product innovations.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement within the Pilot Plant and R&D.
• Build project management skills through on‑the‑job learning and block release to university.

Apprenticeship Overview

The Apprentice role is a 4–5 year training position and will require balancing work with learning. Your day‑to‑day work and training will be supported by studying toward a Bachelors Science Degree with Nottingham Trent University delivered as a mixture of block release and distance learning.

Year 1 & 2 – Pilot Plant

• Initially based within the Pilot Plant & Facilities Team as part of the Global Process Technology and Productivity team.
• Training in cocoa, chocolate making and depositing technologies.
• Assist in trial planning with product/process developers.
• Support sourcing, installation, commissioning and training for new equipment.
• Build technical knowledge and equipment expertise executing trials.

Year 3 & 4 – Projects

• Support category growth projects and build project management experience.
• Take on a placement role with full responsibility for delivery of your own project, including scoping, trial planning, execution and reporting.

Required Skills and Traits

• Action‑oriented – conscientious, proactive, self‑motivated.
• Organising – ability to manage tasks and responsibilities of yourself and others.
• Problem‑solving – identify and solve problems, keen eye for detail, research solutions, measure success.
• Interpersonal savvy – adapt personal style to work with a range of R&D colleagues.
• Informing – confident communicator, reinforce Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Health, Safety & Environmental procedures.
• Perseverance – pursue tasks with drive and work through setbacks.

Education / Certifications

Food Science & Technology Apprenticeship – Typical Entry Requirements:

• 112 UCAS Points from up to 4 qualifications, including an A‑level or equivalent in a Science subject and GCSE English and Maths Grade C / 4.
• Applicants must apply and be accepted onto the university course after an offer has been made by Mondelez.

Travel Requirements

Will be required to travel to the university site during block release and for other agreed activities; travel expenses will be paid by Mondelez.

Work Schedule

Block release at university combined with distance learning. Additional time will be set aside for “off‑the‑job” training.

Starting Salary

£23,000

Benefits

Attractive benefits package within a highly successful international business, including annual pay reviews, performance‑related bonus, 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays), flexible working, contributory pension, life assurance and a flexible benefits programme.

Application Details

Closing date for applications: Monday 9th March 2026.

Final stage assessment centre will be held in‑person at our Bournville offices on Friday 17th April 2026. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

We recruit throughout the year and review applications on a first‑come, first‑served basis. We reserve the right to close vacancies early; please submit your application as soon as possible.

EEO Statement

Mondelēz International is an equal‑opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.