Manufacturing Apprentice Review

My role on a day-to-day basic involves, spending time in a department within the factory, learning about food safety and each process key points. I also get involvd with problem solving activities within the factory.

I have definatelty develop some new skills even within my short time. The support within the factory is fantastic, with some of oprators having nearly 30 years experience, sharing their knowledge and passing it on. Nestle have put me through my Food Safety Level 2 qualification so I now have a better understanding of why Nestle has the checks in place in each department.

The progamme is incredibly enjoyable because I am never doing the same thing for long. I am consistantly moving around the factory learning new skills and meeting new people.

The support from Nestle and from Fawdon factory during the start of my apprentice has been fantastic, really making me feel like a valued employee. I am always offered support and help by operators and managers in whatever task I do.

The first year of my apprentice has a very detailed calender, telling me which department I will be in at which time. It also has other details within, like when we have visits from college which is handy for planning your personal life around work life. Also every friday is a study day, which is useful to catch up with work.

Our training provider is a college not in our city so gaining access to support can be tricky at times. However, we have a contact email adn number should we have any questions or need any help. We have block weeks at our college where they give us alot of support and pass on any key information.

The support from our line manager has been fantastic, we have weekly team catch ups every friday, where we dicuss what we have done through the week and raise any issues we have having. Also every 2 weeks, we have a one-2-one with our line manager so he can offer support individually.

The salary meets my costs very well. I am still living at home with parents and live local to the factory. I have my own car so my wage helps me pay for my petrol to get me to work. I also have plently money left over for the weekend, where I can go out a socialise.

Outside of work, our employer sent us to a VIP training centre, which is a country house in maidenhead, where all our meals were cooked for us, and there was a free bar there in the evening. At the factory, there is also a gym at the factory which we can use for a samll fee.

Yes

Nestle is an excellent company for a young person to gain a career. It offers excellent support and training on the job where you learn key skill as well as offering a fair wage too. Also, after your apprenticeship, the opportunities which Nestle offers you are fantastic.

The application process can be a bit off putting as there is a lot of work required just to get to the assessment day but don't be put off as it is very rewarding hearing that you have past to the next round. Then at the assessment days, they are formal but they are relaxed too, the assessors are very calming if you are a bit nervous.