Food science apprentice Review

So I work within a team, at the moment the process team within the pilot plant. And I help to run trails from: weighing the ingredients out, to checking the final quality. Throughout doing this I'm able to ask questions and apply the knowledge that I learn within my degree at NTU.

I have developed my time management skills, as I have gotten a lot better at balancing my work and University tasks. Also my ability to speak/ present has improved as I get the opportunity to do so in meetings- often in smaller groups which has helped me build my confidence.

I am really enjoying my programme as I have already been able to work within different markets across the world and see how this affects the processes and final product. Additionally I have been able to work with both tea and ice cream and it has been interesting to see how the processes within each are similar and different.

The programme is very well structured, I had a smooth induction, however found it a little hard to get started with as I struggled to adjust to hybrid working(home/site) and meet new people, however everyone was very welcoming. I regularly am able to do my 20% of working hours for studying, and have good relations with both my line manager and tutor which helps with navigating new areas and advancing my understanding.

I receive mostly when I ask it like when I highlight a particular concern, and everyone that I need to talk to about it has been very approachable and easy to talk to. I also like to get guidance from some of the ex-apprentices that work with me, and get to know better about how they have found things and how I can improve.

Quite a lot, I have regular meeting with my tutor and am encouraged to ask my module leaders for advice etc, much like the full time students. And I do enjoy my course, some modules more than others, but overall I like how I get to know different things about the industry, especially as some of my peers have been in the field a lot longer than I have.

It has definitely improved my work as I understand more of the why's as to what we do and how it fits in on a smaller and larger scale. Like the course is mainly the theory side and work is the practical, but as time has gone by the two become more intertwined which helps me more as it feels more harmonious.

There are a few, from what I've heard from others there used to be more, but due to Covid it's been scaled back. But currently there's a netball team and tennis and also a gym on site. I'm not so sporty so I like some of the parties, like Christmas lunch and parties for the teams. For example the week I'm writing this we have senior leaders on site so we have a big party to catch up and network at.

Yes

I've been given a lot of opportunities to try new things and get to work on significant projects and be a real part of the business, what I do may not always be big but it doesn't have to be as even the mundane tasks help build towards the bigger picture.

In terms of applying be prepared to collaborate, work as a team and be flexible in your working. the company is very purpose driven, so finding out how you would like to fit in with that is crucial. Additionally being able to try new things and work with different people from around the work is important so having an open mind- as everyone can have a different outlook, based on their upbringing.