Technical Apprentice Review

I am a Technical Apprentice at Bakkavor. During the course of the year I am in 4 different departments - Raw materials, process, tech services and QA. So far I have completed raw materials which involves checking a sample of every raw material that comes into the business so that you can ensure its safe. I am currently in the process department where I am carrying out trials for new products that are soon to be launched, doing shelf life testing and collecting samples. No two days are ever the same which keeps it exciting.

During the first 6 months of my apprenticeship I have been given a lot of responsibility such as setting up new machinery, doing project work for the business, organising trials and being given the responsibility of being in charge of two new salads that are launching soon. This has helped me develop my confidence and independence and has also taught me leadership and time management skills. I have also done some training courses such as food safety which has developed my knowledge all about food.

So far I am really enjoying my apprenticeship scheme. I like the variety of work as it keeps my job exciting and enjoyable as no two days are ever the same. I like the amount of responsibility I am given as it makes me feel important and like I make a difference in what I do. I really like the team I work in, everyone is so friendly and welcoming, since I started I have not come across one person who's made me feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. Bakkavor is a very good company to work for as there's so many benefits and opportunities that they offer. My programme has exceeded my expectations as I never thought I would enjoy it this much.

During my time at Bakkavor I have felt very valued. I have been given a lot of responsibilities by my manager. I have also been given a lot of projects to be responsible for which have helped benefit the company in many ways. Due to my project work I have had a lot of appreciation from my manger and my project work has been put on a display board in the office which makes me feel valued.

My programme is very well structured. I am in four different departments over the course of the year which I spend three months in each before I move on. This then allows me to gain knowledge of many different areas of the business. My induction was a week long and it covered general Bakkavor policies, food safety etc. I have meetings with my manger/mentor every 2 weeks where we discuss how I'm getting on, if I have any problems and what I have done this month. This is beneficial for me as I know I always have someone to talk to if I have any problems.

My training provider is the University of Lincoln - Hollbeach Campus. I am studying for 3 years to achieve a foundation degree in Food Science and Technology. My degree is done through distance learning my a programme called blackboard, this is where all my learning materials are posted. We all have a personal tutor in which we can contact with any queries or problems. We have Skype for business which allows us to get in contact with any of our tutors/lecturers.

Bakkavor give the apprentices lots of support. I have a mentor in which I meet every other month to discuss how i'm getting on and if I have any problems and they also give me career advice. I have an overall manger who I meet every month in which we fill out a form to see what I've done this month and if I have any problems. I also have a different manger for every area I am in, who will help my with my department im in. Also when I first started I had a buddy who would show me where everything was and sat with me at lunch and break times. If I have any type of problem, I always know that I have lots of people supporting me.

My salary is £14 500. For a 19 year old doing an apprenticeship this is very good as the apprenticeship minimum wage is £3.30 per hour which I am well above. I live 2o minutes from work which is ideal so it doesn't cost much to travel to and from work. I still live at home so living costs aren't a problem for me. I save half of my wages which leaves me plenty to live off per month.

Before I started working at Bakkavor I was attending Bourne Grammar School Sixth Form doing my A levels. Outside of work I don't think that there are many opportunities. During my first six months at Bakkavor I have never heard about company events or activities. We do do a lot for supporting the charities and local communities as everyone gets involved and does there bit. We also have a wellbeing week which provides the employees a chance of getting involved in new activities such as baking, yoga and art lessons.

Yes

I would recommend Bakkavor to a friend because they pay very well, they give you lots of opportunities, benefits and responsibilities. They want the best for all employees. They also give a good amount of holiday. The working culture at Bakkavor is very positive and friendly and everyone is very helpful. It Is also a massive company meaning there are lots of jobs and sites around the area meaning it is easy for you to change job or department if you fancy a change.

The application process was very simple. You just apply online with your CV. If you get through to the next stage you will do a video interview. I was very scared for this video interview but it was very quick and easy. You got asked a series of questions which you answered while being recorded. This is done at home and no interviewer is involved. The assessment day was next. Again I was very scared and nervous for this. It turned out to be very relaxed and a fun day. We had group exercises, lunch and a one on one interview. The day was very helpful in getting to know Bakkavor and was not something to be afraid of at all.