Higher Apprenticeship in Development

Cassie

Engineering

Degree Apprenticeship

Bakkavor

Where and what did you study?

I am undergoing my apprenticeship at Bakkavor Cucina Sano in Old Leake, alongside working I am completing a foundation degree with Lincoln university in food manufacture following the development route.

What work experience did you have before joining Bakkavor?

I joined Bakkavor straight after finishing sixth form therefore the only experience I had was in my part time job at Boston Audi working as a showroom host. This taught me the importance of customer service and boosted my confidence when talking directly to customers.

What attracted you to Bakkavor? Were you aware of the business before?

I first learnt about Bakkavor after completing a cookery competition at secondary school which was held at Spailding High school and was sponsored and judged by Bakkavor. I was attracted to the fact Bakkavor was known for investing in their people and the fact I was offered to be supported through a degree while I had a job in something I was passionate about, food.

Can you talk us through what you did or are doing on the apprentice programme?

I currently work for the development team as an apprentice development technologist, my day to day roles include, generating recipes, working with the development chefs in order to made samples to show both internally and to the external customers. I also manage the raw material ordering for the department and I also benchmark categories in order to evaluate competitor products.

What were the highlights?

The highlights of my apprenticeship so far are working with such a welcoming and experience team which are great in helping me gain experience within an industry that is very new to me. I feel supported and feel and am able to grow into my role.

What’s your current role? What are you responsible for? What do you do day to day?

Day to day I work with a range of departments also, attending meetings to understand the full process of getting product from design to on the shelf. I feel I have generated strong valuable relationships with colleagues which will aid the development of my career.

What is the best thing about working for Bakkavor?

The best thing about working at Bakkavor is the fact each department works to support each other, any problems and the business works together to solve them. Also everyone was welcoming when I first joined the business making me feel at home right away.

What’s it like in your team?

My team work together well, we all ensure that everyone is supported throughout their day to day roles. My secondary team over at Freshcook also work alongside us supporting when needed.

How would you describe the Bakkavor culture as a whole?

Bakkavor have a very strong attitude towards treating their staff well to get the best out of them, I have always felt that Bakkavor as a company are supporting me to grow a career within the industry. The bakkavor culture is one which supports innovation of not only products but also of personal development of staff.

What have you done that you are most proud of in your time so far?

Some of my proudest moments are achieving a 1st at university in my managing people units, along with gaining a position here at Bakkavor in the first place. I am also proud of how much I have developed in the past 5 months with regard to my understanding of the role.

Is there any advice you would give to someone thinking about applying for the Bakkavor Apprentice programme?

I would definitely say go for it! If you’re interested in the industry it’s a great company to work for, you will never feel unsupported and the amount of experience will is gain is outstanding. It’s easy to apply for an apprenticeship and the course is tailored around your capabilities and needs.