Food Technologist Apprentice Review

My role is within the Technical department at Premier Foods Stoke Bakery. My role includes GMP audits of the site and paperwork, trialing Business Improvement initiatives and looking into complaints and complaint reduction. I also assist Process Improvement Technologists with ensuring the production plants are running well, and any changes to ease production processes are made.

I have learn't many new skills whilst being at Premier Foods. The focus on personal development is extremely important at site, and due to this, I have had the opportunity to complete many courses related to my job role. These include online courses such as HACCP Level 3 and external training courses from the likes of Adele Adams Associates and Campden BRI.

I am thoroughly enjoying the degree apprenticeship programme. The work and jobs that I have been assigned are enhancing my knowledge every day, and I enjoy completing them all. The factory operatives and technical team are all very friendly and are always willing to assist me or explain new concepts to improve my knowledge.

My programme is very well structured, with 20% of my working hours allocated for extra learning or study time. My mentor is always available for assisting me with assignments, or explaining things I'm struggling to understand. I have Tripartite reviews with my university tutor every few months, which helps me to keep on the right track with my studies alongside my work load.

My employer is always keen to support my studies. This includes providing me with contacts relevant to modules that I am studying, and organising trips to different Premier Foods sites where I can gain more relevant knowledge for assignments that I am doing. Any worries or problems that I am facing with my general work load or studies are accepted and guidance is always given.

My training provider makes all learning material such as powerpoints and lecture notes available on an online learning hub.This is extremely helpful when I need to go over previously taught information. My course leader is also very helpful and willing to chat on the phone or via email if I have any problems with my studies or my work.

My qualification provides me with a much needed base knowledge for food production. By understanding key concepts such as microbial growth, logistics and distribution and food chemistry, I am able to understand more effectively the reasons behind certain procedures and systems in my workplace. An increase in knowledge has helped me to become much more confident in my work.

At my work I am a Charity Champion. This means organising and coordinating fundraising events for the companies charity partner Together for Short Lives. These events include Christmas parties, sponsored walks and adrenaline challenges such as Tough Mudders and parachute jumps. This role also includes visiting local children's hospices, which is something I find very rewarding.

Yes

The support and help from employers is extremely important when completing an Apprenticeship programme, and Premier Foods work hard to ensure that you are gaining the knowledge and experience with as much support as possible. The employees of the business are always available to help, and are keen to share knowledge in their fields to help your personal development.

A main peice of advice I would offer is, prepare to work hard. Sometimes it is difficult to juggle a full time job with a degree, but I would always urge you to contact your mentor who will be able to provide advice and support. In the interview process make sure you show who you are, as fitting into a team is extremely important in the workplace.