Name
Alicia Reed
Age
22
What is your area of focus / What certifications or qualifications are you working towards?
I am a liquid process area specialist at Arla Foods Taw Valley Creamery.
I joined Arla as an EDEN dairy technologist, where I have just completed my foundation degree in dairy technology and I am just finishing my EPA for my Level 5 dairy technology apprenticeship qualification.
I am now also working towards my food manufacturing with operations management (BSc) top up course.
What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship in food manufacturing?
My plan when I left school had been to have a gap year and gain some work experience before taking up my place at university to study chemistry; however, during my year out, I began to realise that a full time degree was not going to be for me.
I enjoyed working and wanted to combine this with studying for a degree so began to look at degree apprenticeships. Being from a dairy farming background, I was eager to understand the next part of the supply chain; Arla’s EDEN dairy technologist Apprenticeship appealed to me straightaway.
How did you find out about this apprenticeship program?
I found the job through Indeed. Unfortunately, my school focused more on the university route so it was up to me to do my own research.
What are some of the key skills you’ve learned so far?
In addition to practical and technical skills involved in food manufacturing, I’ve also learnt other valuable skills in the workplace such as: project management, organisational skills, leadership, auditing, interview techniques, improved IT skills, and - most importantly - improved communication skills and being able to tailor my approach depending on the working environment and audience.
How has your mentor or trainer supported your growth?
I had weekly sessions with my mentor which enabled me to keep on track and raise any issues I had. She was very supportive throughout my apprenticeship and provided me with further opportunities for growth, for example giving me the opportunity to present one of my college presentations in front of the senior team to gain valuable feedback and highlight areas for improvement.
What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship?
The most rewarding part of the apprenticeship is that it has given me the confidence and skills so that I am now able to be a mentor to one of the new apprentices at Taw Valley.
Where do you see yourself in five years within the food industry?
I have achieved so much in the last two and a half years so is very difficult to imagine what I will be doing in five years. There are so many opportunities within Arla and the wider dairy industry, but I hope to be in a leadership role with plenty of travel opportunities and possibly using my auditing skills.