Apprentice Technical Operator Review

My role is a technical operator in the sauces/pouches building. I work in batching mainly and I am responsible for gathering the ingredients required for a sauce that goes into the pouches. I am also responsible for actually batching up the ingredients into the kettle and ensuring it meets the required specifications.

Since starting the apprenticeship I have learnt many aspects of food safety and the laws which govern them, which I had no prior experience in previously. Recently I have also undertaken a training course for the counterbalance truck which I thoroughly enjoyed doing. I have also been on a safety leadership course that has further strengthened my understanding of health and safety.

I enjoy the variety of the programme as it is not all assignments or coursework, we also have observations which allows us to demonstrate our knowledge while doing our day to day job. I also think that it is good that the programme is a 2 year course that includes a level 3 in food while also containing a level 2 in engineering.

I think that considering the circumstances surrounding the programme with covid 19 some aspects have been effected negatively, for example previous years apprentices had a full two week induction where they went around all the sites and did taste tests etc. Although I do believe that it is well organised considering the difficulties of keeping everyone safe.

I receive substantial support from my employers at Premier Foods. From my training co-ordinator who is always willing to aid me in any problems regarding Premier Foods policies or If I require any specific training. I also receive amazing support from my workplace mentor who I am constantly working with while I am not part of the manning numbers for the first year of the programme. They constantly show me the correct way of doing things and they are always more than happy to answer any questions.

My college tutor is very supportive in regards to helping me complete any assignments that are given to me. They are always open to contact via email and mobile and the support they give back to me is always useful to me in regards to progressing well in the program.

The food safety qualification we learn during the programme gives me a much better understanding into why we do certain things regarding safety in the production of food for our customers, from critical control points to hygiene rules. I believe that on the completion of the program I will be more than ready to successfully take on my role and be an impactful member of my team.

Unfortunately due to Covid 19 I have not seen many extra curricular activities be promoted, there has been notices put on the company employee website with certain things such as mental health day being promoted and encouraging people to get involved. Most recently in my department the sauces building, our team organised a day out playing golf on a Saturday which was nice to get people involved.

Yes

I believe that Premier Foods is a great place to work as it provides a positive and encouraging atmosphere to be apart of. There is also plenty of opportunity for progression if that is something that you are interested in. The my what's cooking webpage that is open to all employees is something that I think is great with keeping you in touch with the company as well as providing lots of benefits.

When invited to the first assessment day of the apprenticeship program it is a multiple choice test involving maths, understanding instructions and recognising patterns and sequences. If successful you will be invited to the second assessment day which involves a group session with other people applying where you have to prioritize certain things and work together to come to a decision. An interview where having done research on Premier Foods will be helpful. Then a presentation about your greatest passion in your personal life. Then finally a practical test to assess your understanding of basic engineering.