This year’s intake will offer apprenticeships in a wide range of specialist areas – including 23 roles in engineering, 10 in manufacturing and 11 in finance – along with other critical fields such as supply chain management, processing and data analysis.
Areas served in which Bakkavor operates and looking for apprentices include Lincolnshire (30), Scotland (11), London (10), Nottinghamshire (7) and Kent (3). A full list of locations and the number of apprenticeship places available at each can be found below.
Vital roles
Commenting on this year’s apprenticeship programme, chief people officer Donna-Maria Lee said: “At Bakkavor, we recognise the vital role that skills like engineering, manufacturing, and business operations play in shaping the UK’s future workforce. These are the areas that power innovation, drive efficiency, and enable industries to stay competitive on a global stage.
“Our Apprenticeship Programme represents an important investment in people and their potential. By providing a combination of practical training, professional qualifications, and real-world experience, we are equipping individuals with the tools they need to build meaningful and lasting careers. We are proud to support the development of future talent, not just for Bakkavor, but for the wider economy.”
Key levels
Now running more than a decade, Bakkavor’s programme provides structured learning and support to help individuals build careers in the food and drink industry. The programme focuses on two key levels:
• Advanced Apprenticeship (2 years): Ideal for school leavers, this programme combines employment, training, and development. Advanced Engineering Apprenticeships extend to four years, reflecting the importance of mastering technical skills.
• Higher Apprenticeship (2 years): Designed for individuals who wish to develop specialist knowledge and take on greater responsibility early in their careers.
Applications for the 2025 cohort open on 10th February, closing in June for a September 2025 start.
Meanwhile, the UK’s apprenticeship system is not working and leaving more than £4bn that could have been used to train new apprentices on the table, claimed Fiona Graham, chief advocacy officer at Family Business UK.
Locations where Bakkavor is bringing in apprentices
- Lincolnshire - 30 (Spalding 14, Bourne 8, Boston 4, Holbeach 1, Sutton Bridge 2, Barton 1)
- Scotland - 11 (all at Bo’ness)
- London - 10 (Abbeydale 2, Cumberland 2, Harrow 3 Elveden 1, London Meals 2)
- Nottinghamshire – 7 (all at Newark)
- Kent – 3 (all at Tilmanstone)
- Somerset – 4 (Highbridge 2, Devizes 2)
- Northwest - 3 (Crewe 3)
- Midlands - Aston (1)
- Group – Lincolnshire (5)
