Tulip broadens apprenticeship programme

The business is offering 24 butchery, 15 engineering and five technical apprenticeships at various locations across its UK operation to start in the autumn.

The company said it was keen to hear from young people looking for real career and development opportunities. Its original programme has been running for four years.

Trailblazer’s standard​

“We have been working in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills together with the Department of Education and other industry leaders over the last few years to develop the Trailblazers standard,”​ said Tulip’s group learning and development manager Ally Patterson.

Patterson said the standard offered candidates relevant formal qualifications to support them in building a career in the food industry. “Candidates are assessed throughout their apprenticeship to ensure that they learn the knowledge and relevant skills in their chosen career.​

Butchery apprentices​

“For butchery apprentices there is an independent assessment at the end of the programme on knowledge, skills and behaviours, which is a brand new concept introduced via the Trailblazer standard, which will help improve standards across the industry.”​

Tulip, the self-styled consumer food solutions business, operates 16 fresh and cooked meat sites across the UK and employs about 7,500 people. The company is owned by The Danish Crown group, the largest pork producer in Europe and the biggest global exporter of pork.

It urged anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship to visit its website​ for further information and to register their interest.

Food Manufacture Group aims to recognise emerging young talent in the food industry through its Young Talent of the Year Award, now in its second year.

Apprentice, technician and graduate​

Part of the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2015, the accolade will celebrate the sector’s new entrants at apprentice, technician and graduate levels to encourage more young people to develop careers in food and drink.

The judges will look for qualities in contenders such as contribution to their employer’s success, willingness to take on more responsibility, ability to work as part of a team and leadership potential.

For more information, and to enter, visit the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards website​, call Jane Rollinson on 01293 610439 or email jane.rollinson@wrbm.com​.