Manufacturing Operator Review

General running of the plant Quality checks Data recording Communicating with managers Problem solving Project work and continuous improvement exercises Process balancing and liaising with operators to ensure a well balanced process Writing, following SOP's (standard operating procedures) Tasting for quality to ensure the product adheres to the samples

Problem solving skills have been improved hugely. Being in fast paced environment that runs 24/7, you have to act quickly and problem solve quickly to ensure you keep all the other processes around you running. Developed my communication skills, i speak to lots of different people on a daily basis from contractors to colleagues to managers and i have gained confidence in doing so.

My programme was great as it opened me up to the world of manufacturing and everything involved in the making of coffee. I like that everyday is different and you are always learning as you can see something different everyday. Working alongside a friendly team helps and support is always available if needed. My programme was very enjoyable

Induction was well organised and two weeks long, where we were taught things from general site rules to the LOTO (lock off tag off) procedure etc. We then were introduced to Pilot, who deliver our apprenticeship programme and guide us through our 3 year course, we met with these every so often to update on our progress etc. The actual on the job learning consisted of being put onto shift and being part of the process and learning as if i was an operator

Support is there if you need it, there is always someone around to speak to and on my site there are plenty of ex-apprentices who were a great support as they have been through what you have. We met with HR in our induction so we always knew who to go to if we needed support from them. Our mentor kept us well informed and communicated with us weekly.

Our training provider mentor was always an email/call/text away and helped us with anything we needed. She met with us often and provided us with sheets and tasks to ensure we were always up to date on our work. She then met with our on-site mentor to ensure what we were learning was in line with our qualification.

Having a training provider that wasn't someone from in nestle helped us have an unbias training experience where we learnt about the general manufacturing principles which would allow us to get jobs in other manufacturing environments if we wanted/needed to. Having the classroom work helps us on the job as there is a lot of theory behind a process so it is good to have a mixture of theory and practical work.

Being on a shift pattern it is difficult to commit to an extra curricular activity, however once a year on shutdown the department all get together for a day and do a fun activity outside of work. Also, individual shifts get together and go on social days out etc and there is always a charity ball in the summer where anyone on site can attend.

Yes

The food and drink industry is always growing and it feels like a safe industry to be in as people will always be buying food or drink. Pay is good and the perks are a bonus. People are friendly and welcoming If you want it, the promotion opportunities are there

Be yourself Show strong characteristics of being a leader and being able to think for yourself as well as in a team. Persevere with the application process it is long but make use of being able to show your self off with all the different questions Go into the assessment day open minded but always be aware that you are being watched all the time.