Bakkavor to recruit 45 apprentices
The company launched the apprenticeship scheme five years ago and between 2011 to 2015 took on a total of 40 apprentices. It now offers 14 different types of apprenticeships including procurement, product development, human resources (HR), food technical, engineering and manufacturing.
At the end of the scheme, all successful apprentices will be offered permanent roles within the business.
The news comes as National Apprenticeship Week, which is designed to highlight the benefits of the scheme to the wider economy, kicks off today (March 14) and ends on March 18.
National Apprenticeship Week
Bakkavor has two schemes available for applicants. The Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme, which is a one-year course tailored for school leavers that have typically completed GCSE’s.
The second, the Higher Apprentice Scheme, is aimed at those who have A-Level qualifications and are hoping to fast-track their career. This is the equivalent of a foundation degree with the opportunity to convert to a full degree. These apprenticeships last for two to three years, with the exception of engineering, which is a four-year scheme.
Bakkavor’s group HR director Pippa Greenslade said: “Bakkavor's apprenticeship schemes are a fantastic way to give young people a taste of the food industry and gain invaluable experience.
“From day one, apprentices get real responsibility and hands-on experience in the food manufacturing sector.
‘Apprenticeships make good business sense’
“Apprenticeships make good business sense and provide a great way of supporting young talent and building much needed future skills for the food industry.”
Bakkavor said it would be attending the National Apprenticeship Show in Milton Keynes which takes place on March 14-15.
The event brings together employers, colleges and providers with those wanting to find out more about what apprenticeships can offer.
The manufacturer will also be taking part in a free seminar on the apprenticeship system at the Agri Business Food Conference, the National Centre For Food Manufacturing, University Of Lincoln, Holbeach Campus, Spalding on Wednesday, March 16.
Meanwhile, last month the business revealed that revenues from continuing operations hit £1.68bn for the 52 weeks to December 26 2015, an increase of 2.5% on the prior year.
UK business revenues were down 1% to £1.52bn, over the same period in 2014.
It said that labour costs continue to accelerate and the forthcoming introduction of the National Living Wage in April will present a challenge for the UK food sector as a whole.
Bakkavor employs over 18,000 people globally and produces over 5,500 products in 18 different categories.
