QA Technologist Apprentice Review

My job involves food safety and ensuring food which we make is safe for the consumer. On a day to day basis I help with the systems side of Quality, supporting the rest of my team where I am able to get involved with and learning new things about the industry I work in.

Communication Time keeping Responsibility Computer Skills - Excel Knowledge in the food and drink industry Team work

I enjoy my programme (Job) because its very different to my previous job. I like learning new things about an area which I had very little knowledge about at the start. The education side of the apprenticeship meets this standard of learning and it can somewhat be frustrating the way it is delivered but you get on with it. Above all, learning in a great environment and in the team I work with I feel very lucky with the support they give me.

When I started at Premier Foods they were great and very welcoming. I am thankful to join such a company where people here are very friendly and approachable. In the opening weeks this was very evident. The training I have received via my workplace I cannot fault, any training you wish to undertake or happening they support you with. The education side has been a frustrating start, being messed around with having to do Maths and English, completing Maths and then suddenly I don't have to finish my English. It feels like a lot of tick box exercises each study week I have been to so far. Someone in the my team at work is on the higher level course and his assignments are more structured, detailed and guidance is more apparent compared to mine. He has showed me one of his assignments, they get told directly what to talk about and a word count. I get a set amount of questions and expected to answer them. For example my first assignment got sent back to me and in the end I write approx. 5,000 words in total around Food Safety Management. The depth you can go into is to vast and more guidance is needed. Rating- 5/5 for my workplace 2/5 for uni

My immediate manager/ mentor is more then helpful, we have monthly 1-21 catch ups. Anything I need help with she is readily available to give me the time. Additionally, this extends to the rest of my team and technical manager. Time is always made to help support my learning.

I feel my tutor is very knowledgeable with the industry but is very new to One File the same with me, so questions I have, struggling to understand and upload evidence towards my apprenticeship has suffered slightly. At UNI I am more then happy with the passion and support from the tutors there.

The knowledge, being theory and practical has given me a significantly better understanding of my day to day job, and seeing the jobs which my team deal with each day. From being able to apply this knowledge to my job role gives better importance and fulfilment in the role.

I have personally been involved with the football team. Additionally, there is a sports and social club which you are able to join and get involved with. Premier are very proud and especially here at our Ashford site this is clear to see as there is always events being planned throughout the year. We get involved with the local community which is nice by, the interactions I have seen is with local secondary schools and litter picking. Above all I particularly like family day, where you can bring members of your family to see the factory and where you work, its very nice and engaging.

Yes

Friendly Rewarding Career minded Equality Respect Great atmosphere

Honesty Engaging Enthusiastic Flexibility Punctual Organised