Bakkavor Meals Wigan completes training for 21 apprentices

Bakkavor Meals Wigan, formerly known as Hitchen Foods, launched the training scheme in 2014.

It gives candidates the chance to complete Food Manufacturing Excellence Level 3 and Improving Operational Performance Level 2 qualifications, with engineering, manufacturing and new product development among the specialisms covered.

The initiative was named Training Programme of the Year at the 2017 Food Manufacture​ Excellence Awards (FMEAs).

Hitchen Foods name change​

Bakkavor Meals Wigan changed its name from Hitchen Foods a year ago as part of a brand standardisation process.

It employs more than 1,000 people and prepares fresh vegetable and ready meal dishes.

“We’re extremely proud of our innovative apprenticeship programme – it's a way of creating rewarding career opportunities within our local communities and it’s made a big difference to our business and the culture at our site,”​ Geoff Allison, head of operations at Wigan, said.

‘A continued, successful career’​

“I’d like to congratulate all our latest group of employees on completing the programme and wish them a continued, successful career with us.”​

In May, Bakkavor Desserts opened new £800,000 employee facilities at its Highbridge, Somerset factory​​, as part of its continued investment in the site.

Meanwhile, there’s still time to submit your winning entry for the 2020 FMEAs​​, ahead of the 12 August​ deadline.