Industry Approved Provider, Shrewsbury College, Secures Major Apprenticeship Partnership with Müller

Shrewsbury College, an Industry Approved Provider in our Food & Drink Engineering Network, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Müller to deliver our engineering apprenticeship programmes across the dairy group’s operations in Shropshire. The agreement represents a significant step in enhancing the region’s technical training capacity and highlights the college’s expanding reputation as a specialist provider for the Food and Drink sector.

Shrewsbury College was selected for its expertise, curriculum quality, and strong alignment with industry needs.

The college has introduced this new apprenticeship programme specifically to assist employers across the wider Marches region. Focusing on a specialised Food and Drink Engineering apprenticeship route, making it a strategically valuable development for local workforce planning. The new programmes directly align with the priorities outlined in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), helping to address skills shortages and supporting the sector's long-term competitiveness.

Shrewsbury College, as an Approved Provider in our Food & Drink Engineering Network, is one of only seven nationally approved training centres for this apprenticeship standard. This recognition offers clear external assurance of the programme’s design, quality, and relevance to industry needs.

To support delivery, the college is investing in new specialised equipment and training resources to ensure apprentices benefit from modern, industry‑standard facilities that reflect current Food and Drink Engineering environments. This investment will enhance practical learning and ensure apprentices acquire the high‑level technical skills employers demand.

James Staniforth, Principal of Shrewsbury College, said:

We are very proud to collaborate with Müller on this vital skills initiative. As one of the region’s leading employers, Müller plays a key role in supporting local economic growth, and this partnership allows us to enhance the flow of engineering and technical talent essential to the food manufacturing sector. This represents a significant step forward for both the college and the Marches region.

A Müller spokesperson added:

We’re pleased to collaborate with Shrewsbury College to support colleagues’ development across our organisation. Apprenticeships are vital in shaping our future workforce, enhancing skills, and providing clear routes for progression. This partnership will help us continue to build the capabilities needed for the future.

Louise Cairns, from the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink, added:

We are delighted to welcome Shrewsbury College into the Industry Approved Network and look forward to supporting them on their journey with this critical programme for our sector.