Product Development Apprentice Review

An average day would be checking and replying to emails, working on projects by either making samples in the kitchen, creating nutritional’s including HFSS score and Traffic Lights alongside costings, talking to suppliers for new ingredients and generally working with my team on in house projects like shelf life, peripheral teams. Each week I also set aside time to complete university modules. Alongside this I also go on factory tours, visit suppliers and attend sessions that I can shadow, eg an audit as well as attend regular meetings with the rest of the team to catch up on projects.

I have developed many new skills during my time at Premier Foods, I have gained in confidence in myself learnt how to use time management to be able to reach timelines as well as many other skills related to my job role. I have learnt Premiers systems, gained experience in using excel and improved on writing professional emails.

I really enjoy my programme, I have learnt a lot about myself and the business that I wouldn't have got to experience if I hadn't joined Premier Foods. I constantly get to learn and experience new things during my time here. Although some tasks can be challenging and I find it difficult to manage university workload on top of workload, overall it is worth it.

My programme is structured well, I receive guidance from work and university when I need help however my only critic would be the time to complete an assignment with very short deadline date and multiple other assignments to complete beforehand.

With my manager I have a 1-1 to talk about University/ Projects every month where she gives me support where needed. As a company there are many opportunities in the business to shadow and encouraged to learn from, my manager is always keen for me to engage in learning new things and allows me these opportunities to gain experience.

I receive support from my training possible with quarterly APR meetings to discuss progress. For module assignments there are drop in sessions the tutors hold for students to join and ask questions.

Attending University allows me to work on modules outside of my R&D role, however, can still be relative to my day-to-day responsibilities as well. With my apprenticeship I can go on factory tours to different sites to look at different processing methods etc as well as shadowing supplier audits and carrying out a traceability exercise which fell into my supply chain module. It also allows to me develop in communication skills alongside presenting skills which are useful in any role.

At work we have to complete 1 volunteering day each tax year, there is also a BOOST session set up for the apprentices to get together and work on team activities together.

Yes

I would 100% recommend Premier Foods to a friend, the benefits from working here are great, the people and the community are great and overall a pleasant place to work.

My tips for applying would be to be yourself, be confident, be inquisitive, be determined and Ask questions.