Supporting Northern Ireland’s Food Industry
FDQ is recognised as a regulated awarding organisation by CCEA in Northern Ireland and we are proud to serve the nation’s food industry that comprises over 24,000 employees generating over £5 billion in sales.
FDQ works with some of the largest industry employers supporting food safety and other regulatory qualifications such as animal welfare (WATOK). We also have a network of approved centres comprising independent training providers and regional colleges that support apprentices and learners throughout the nation.
Our qualifications are focussed on supporting the Skills Agenda in Northern Ireland, by equipping learners with the skills and knowledge employers need.
If your organisation needs a more tailored approach – such as additional qualifications or recognition for your own training programmes, please get in touch
Qualifications and Apprenticeships
The majority of the qualifications that support food-related apprenticeships in Northern
Ireland are provided by FDQ, especially at levels 2 and 3.
To explore our range of approved qualifications available in Northern Ireland, click here.
All FDQ qualifications are delivered and assessed in English. Irish Gaelic versions can be made available where there is sufficient demand.
As a food specialist awarding organisation with twenty years experience in the sector we
are committed to supporting the food industry during the Government’s plan to review and
reform the apprenticeship system in Northern Ireland.
New Qualification For Professional Chefs in Northern Ireland Available Soon
We’re pleased to announce that CCEA Regulation have approved our brand new qualification for Northern Ireland,
FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef (Northern Ireland)
Right now we are liaising with the Curriculum Hub for Hospitality and Tourism in Northern Ireland as we prepare to launch and implement this new qualification.
It will be live by 1 December 2020 and fully operational in early 2021.
FDQ may be new to the hospitality sector, but this qualification includes elements of the baking, butchery and fish preparation skills that FDQ’s tradition and strengths are built on.
The qualification is designed to support the requirements for both the employed and non-employed traineeship routes of the Northern Ireland Level 2 Occupational Framework for a Professional Chef.
To find out more about the qualification, contact us
Northern Ireland Events
FDQ are keen to stay up to date with the needs of businesses and learners in Northern Ireland. Normally we hold at least one annual event supporting food industry apprenticeships and qualifications across the nation. Although COVID has made this less practical we are looking into hosting virtual events to support our centres.