Bakkavor: Leading the Way in Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs

Bakkavor is the leading provider of freshly prepared food ("FPF"), putting the customer at the heart of everything they do. With approximately 18,000 colleagues operating from 43 sites, Bakkavor develops and produces innovative FPF for various occasions and budgets. Their customers include all the well-known UK grocery retailers and some of the world’s best-known international food brands. With a deep understanding of consumers’ changing needs, Bakkavor creates innovative products for customers worldwide. Recognised by The Job Crowd for its outstanding consumer goods and FMCG apprenticeship programs in 2020 and 2021, Bakkavor offers a robust Early Careers program and dynamic talent pipelines. Based on feedback from apprentices, this award highlights the exceptional opportunities Bakkavor provides. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction drives them to adapt and excel continually in the competitive food industry.

As a Bakkavor apprentice, you'll have access to a diverse range of career pathways within various areas of the business. Whether you're interested in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Business, HR, Finance, Supply Chain, or Health and Safety, Bakkavor will help you get your future off to a flying start. The company invests in your future by supporting you in gaining a recognised qualification while earning a competitive salary from day one and doing a real job with comprehensive on-the-job and off-the-job training. Upon completing your apprenticeship and meeting performance targets, you are guaranteed a permanent role with Bakkavor. So, why do apprentices at Bakkavor rate our programme so highly? Bakkavor Salads Bourne Manufacturing Apprentice Ben Parker explains in this fascinating Q&A, originally published in The Job Crowd’s Top Companies For Apprentices To Work For Guide.

 

Hi Ben, why did you choose Bakkavor?

Deep down I have always known that full-time university wasn’t for me. I wanted a university qualification, but I also wanted to gain on-the-job work experience. I looked at companies that would enable me to do this and Bakkavor stood out due to its well-structured apprenticeship programme. It had opportunities to develop, an attractive salary and my qualification would be paid for by the company.

Bakkavor offers many apprenticeship routes, such as Health & Safety (H&S), Human Resources, Engineering and Finance, but I chose Manufacturing, as I’m very active and it seemed 'hands-on'.

 

What do you like best about your job?

I like every aspect, but the people are the best! My managers and mentors always ensure that I don’t have any concerns and am happy with the direction I’m heading in.

 

How does your Apprenticeship work?

My Manufacturing Apprenticeship is a two-year Operations and Departmental Manager course with the University of Lincoln. I have to track my 'off-the-job' learning on my portfolio, which will be used at my End Point Assessment (EPA).

 

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I work a four-on, four-off shift pattern, which is very flexible. I'm mainly in the factory working directly with the lines. I complete the paperwork on the lines, which involves checking the quality of the products and the H&S. No two days are the same. I also have protected time to work on my apprenticeship portfolio.

 

What has impressed you most about Bakkavor?

The company's success in food manufacturing is impressive. This ongoing success assures me that I have a real chance of career progression and many opportunities to develop.

 

What makes Bakkavor such a great place to work?

The positive environment and friendly colleagues, who make coming to work fun. The people I work with really make it a joy to be employed by Bakkavor.

 

What advice would you give to a new apprentice starting out?

Never pass up an opportunity to gain experience, even if this means stepping out of your comfort zone. Also, build relationships with everyone!

 

Click here to visit Bakkavor’s Apprenticeship Programmes page and find out more about qualifying while earning a competitive salary for doing a real job from day one. Or find out more about apprenticeships here.