Kickstart your career with a food industry apprenticeship in Yorkshire – apply October 2024
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And with opportunities to learn all aspects of the food industry – from farm to fork and everything around and in between – there are opportunities for a wide range of skills and interests.
A fast-growing industry
The food industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide and it’s an obvious choice of career for the foodies out there, however it also offers a range of diverse career opportunities which aren’t just food related, providing roles in finance, technical, engineering and IT and for aspiring professionals, apprenticeships are a great way to get a foothold in this growing industry.
Earn while you learn
Not only do they combine on-the-job training with academic learning, they allow apprentices to earn while they learn. Apprentices can develop practical skills in real-world settings such as production, new product development and engineering and this sort of hands-on experience has been cited as hugely attractive to prospective employers.
Food producer with Yorkshire roots
Among the companies leading the charge in nurturing new talent is Cranswick plc, a well-known British food producer with Yorkshire roots, specialising in producing premium pork and chicken, as well as gourmet sausages, bacon and pastry, cooked meats, Mediterranean products and more recently pet food.
Established in 1975 by a group of farmers, Cranswick now employs over 15,000 people, operates out of 23 well invested manufacturing sites across the UK and has a growing farming division. It’s one of the most respected names in the business, due to its strong financial performance (revenue of £2.6 billion) and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Expanded opportunities for apprenticeships
Cranswick has recently extended its apprenticeship, and degree apprenticeship program to include opportunities in Farming, Finance, Engineering, Human Resources, New Product Development, Technical, Operations, IT, Marketing / Commercial, Supply Chain, Butchery, Health and Safety and Environmental.
Group HR Director for Cranswick, Miranda Spencer said: “I truly believe an apprenticeship, at any level, with us will give your career a head-start in the food industry. You can earn a competitive salary while enjoying the time and support to study for a recognised qualification.
“Our programmes range from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) up to Level 7 (Master’s Degree equivalent) and we currently have over 150 apprentices working in different departments within the business.
Group HR Director for Cranswick, Miranda SpencerWe have opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, experience and prior learning and existing colleagues can progress their career through studying for an apprenticeship. We’re also a leading Degree Apprenticeship Employer in the area, offering opportunities in multiple business areas and we work in partnership with industry relevant training providers & UK universities including Sheffield Hallam, Leeds Trinity and the University of Lincoln. Upon completing an apprenticeship, most of our apprentices have gone on to take up full-time roles within the company.
Case study
Isabella is a recent recruit, and is currently on Cranswick’s Food Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship program after moving over from the NPD program, Isabella said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of my role in NPD was the level of responsibility I was entrusted with.
“In my first year, I successfully managed the launch of new products right through from concept creation to seeing them on the supermarket shelf. This allowed me to hone my project management and product development skills. Whilst initially I intended to remain in NPD for the duration of my apprenticeship, I found my strengths were better aligned to an operations role, which I am moving into shortly.
“Cranswick has been incredibly supportive of this transition, offering the resources and guidance needed to make a successful shift. I am excited to move to the operations team, where I hope to contribute to process improvements and operational efficiency and to continue to grow within the company.”
Easy application process
Applying for an apprenticeship at Cranswick is straightforward and 2025 vacancies will go live on the Cranswick website in October. Applicants need to demonstrate a genuine passion for the food industry, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to teamwork and personal development.
So if you’re ready for a rewarding career, visit the website here and find out how you can gain the skills, experience and qualifications to thrive in the food industry.