Name
Keisha Wilson
Age
20
What is your area of focus / What certifications or qualifications are you working towards?
I’m currently in the third year of a Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship at Nestlé UK & Ireland. It’s a four-year programme, allowing me to blend academic learning with practical work experience, all while earning a wage and gaining a degree in the process.
We conduct nine-month rotations across a range of departments and my current role is working as an assistant brand manager in the marketing team for two of our confectionery brands, Smarties and Milkybar.
Moving into different parts of the business has helped me to develop a range of skills and has also unlocked some dream opportunities. You get to find out where you might have any knowledge or skills gaps and find where your true passion points are.
What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship in food manufacturing?
At school, I loved Business Studies and knew that working in the food manufacturing sector would give me the opportunity to work with some big household names, which excited me.
I was overjoyed when I was successful with my application to Nestlé’s apprenticeship scheme. I had no idea just how big the company was when I first joined, but getting to work with incredible brands like KitKat has made it the best decision to take the plunge.
How did you find out about this apprenticeship programme?
While my school encouraged students to apply for Oxbridge or Russell Group universities as the traditional next step, we also had a separate student group to support those who were thinking of applying for apprenticeships. I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I ended up joining both groups to find out what would appeal to me the most.
It was through this that I found out about Nestlé’s apprenticeship programme and I set out to apply from there.
Many people who’d taken the apprenticeship route themselves said that I would thank myself later as I wouldn’t have any student debt. I wanted that peace of mind and I’m so grateful I did that now.
What are some of the key skills you’ve learned so far?
I’ve had the opportunity to learn all about sustainability and gain skills in this area by joining our ‘One World’ group. We get to put events on internally for colleagues across the business, aimed at inspiring and educating them on the topic.
It’s been nice to get my teeth stuck into a subject matter that is at the forefront of everyone’s minds at the moment, and to know that what I’ve been doing has had a positive impact.
There’s a range of networks for topics you might be passionate about at Nestlé, and you get to decide how much you’d like to be involved. Joining them can simply be an opportunity for you to learn more about something you’re really interested in, or a chance for you to make a tangible change.
It’s been amazing to get involved with something I’m passionate about with the support of Nestlé and it’s helped me to gain the knowledge and green skills that I can take into my future career.
I’ve also had the opportunity to join an external Boardroom Apprenticeship, alongside my role at Nestlé, who were incredibly supportive of my application. I’m partnered with the Chair of the Board for the company I visit on the programme, which has been really cool.
It’s helped me to gain invaluable insights into how the most senior levels of an organisation are run and provided me with a much better understanding of how they arrive at a strategic decision, as well as how they develop that direction too.
How has your mentor or trainer supported your growth?
My mentor has been such a great support during my apprenticeship journey at Nestlé, offering practical guidance and has helped me to connect with people across the business while I’ve continued to build my confidence.
I’ve also been able to flip this role through our One World group, as I’ve taken part in reverse mentoring with senior leaders across the business too. This has involved setting up talking sessions with colleagues on topics of interest to us both, such as sustainability or social issues.
As they can often be very busy in their roles, we get to share our knowledge and experience of the chosen issue. The aim is to provide them with a different and diverse perspective, so they can then take this into consideration in their work. The great thing is that I think it does make a real difference.
What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship?
I’ve found that the most rewarding part of my apprenticeship programme is when I get to see how my work comes to life. It’s been incredible to work on some of our new products that are coming through and these are shaping up nicely after lots of work behind the scenes.
Everyone at Nestlé wants you to succeed and receiving positive feedback from your colleagues after working hard on a project really has boosted my confidence too.
Joining the apprenticeship programme has also opened up a world of opportunities that I never knew had existed before, so I’d also say that being able to expand my horizons has been special as well.
Where do you see yourself in five years within the food industry?
Who knows what the future holds! I do know, however, that my apprenticeship has provided me with the chance to learn so many new skills in areas that have prepared me well for the future. It’s also helped me to grow as an individual too. The food sector is always changing, so in the coming years I’d love to expand my skills and knowledge further, as this is something that excites me.
Since joining Nestlé, I’ve never looked back. The opportunities really are endless, so I’d wholeheartedly recommend that people consider the apprenticeship route as an option.
It has unlocked so many opportunities for me. I’m sure it can do the same for others.
