Bakkavor hires 47 youngsters in ‘grow your own plan’

14-Sep-2017 - Last updated on 15-Sep-2017 at 12:01 GMT

Bakkavor product developement apprentice Sheryl Gamble, pictured with her mentor, joined the firm last year

Fresh prepared foods manufacturer Bakkavor has recuited 47 new young starters this month, as part of its ‘grow your own’ people strategy.

The firm has recruited 26 graduates and 21 apprentices, who will be based across a range of sites in specialist roles from manufacturing to finance.

Bakkavor’s group human resources director Pippa Greenslade said: “Once again, we’re delighted to be welcoming a new intake of graduates and apprentices to Bakkavor as part of our commitment to early careers.

‘The talent we attract’

“The fresh prepared food market is one of the most innovative and fast-moving markets in the world. As a group we firmly believe that our future growth depends on the talent we attract, develop and support so that we can maintain and strengthen our leading position.”

The graduates will join six of the manufacturer’s departments, including: human resources, commercial, manufacturing, technical, development and finance. Actively involved in real jobs from the start, the graduates will be guided through a tailored leadership training programme.

The apprentices are starting higher or advanced apprenticeships in specialisms such as engineering, supply chain, human resources, development, technical and procurement at sites across the UK including Wigan, London, Lincolnshire and Hampshire.

Specialisms such as engineering

Bakkavor’s 2018 graduate scheme will open for applications on Monday October 2, while the apprentice scheme will open at the start of next year.

The latest recruitment drive follows a series of previous campaigns earlier this year. Read more in the box below.

Meanwhile, food production vacancies are among the most difficult roles to fill in the food and drink industry, revealed new research from grocery think tank IGD this week.

Nearly one in three recruiting managers in the food and grocery industry identified food production roles as being the hardest to fill.

UK unemployment dropped by 75,000 in the three months to July, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics figures. The jobless rate fell to 4.3% from 4.4% in the previous quarter – its lowest level in 42 years.