In addition, Weetabix – which is a champion of lean manufacturing techniques – will be offering educational grants of up to £500 to young engineers and manufacturing managers who are starting their career development and training.
The latest announcements are all part of Weetabix’s goal to attract the brightest young talent in the UK to the company, as well as support the development of young engineers, manufacturers and managers starting their careers as part of its continuous improvement journey in ‘world class’ manufacture.
In an earlier lean manufacturing project, Lauras supported Weetabix in achieving big improvements through strong employee engagement. Results included improved output by over 50%, reduced waste by 80%, improved product quality, and reduced energy usage.
Lean and green webinar
FoodManufacture.co.uk is organising a free one-hour webinar in conjunction with Lauras on lean and green manufacturing, which is scheduled to take place at 11am on Tuesday April 26. The seminar will also involve speakers from Greencore and Marks & Spencer. Free places at the webinar can be reserved here.
Four new Weetabix apprentices will be taken on this year, starting in the summer, with plans to take on eight each year from 2017.
Lean and green webinar
Don't miss your free place at Food Manufacture's free, one-hour webinar on lean and green manufacturing and evaluation techniques at 11am on Tuesday April 26.
The programme has been targeted towards college students to enhance their skills and gain practical experience within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Using its internal resources to full effect, Weetabix will be enlisting the help of dedicated mentors within its organisation who will provide successful applicants with practical tutorship in manufacturing, engineering and front-line leadership.
“We’re really excited about the new Weetabix apprentice programme. Manufacturing is what this country was built and measured on,” said Alex Cosgrove, head of UK manufacturing. “This is particularly true in Northamptonshire, which remains one of the biggest innovation hubs for food manufacturing, and at Weetabix, we are passionate about developing our people to be the best they can be because our people really make the difference.
“Tresham College is a big part of our apprenticeship drive and the programme will help us grow new and existing talent within our organisation to ensure we will house the experts and leaders of the future.”
Weetabix’s group human resources director Stuart Branch added: “Weetabix is committed to retaining its values as a great place to work and at the heart of that commitment is our dedication to have the most highly trained, knowledgeable and passionate team members to propel the vision and performance of our business.
‘World leader’
“Operations remain the engine-room of the organisation and it’s something that we are world leaders in, which is why continuing our strong manufacturing leadership and engineering development programmes is of paramount importance to us.”
Weetabix’s engineering apprenticeship scheme is open to applicants who are enthusiastic about engineering and qualified to NVQ level 2 in engineering. The Weetabix manufacturing programme is open to anyone with an interest in learning the basics of leadership and business improvement, particularly those who wish to pursue a career in people management.
All applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at ‘C’ or above or equivalent including English and Mathematics.
To learn more about Weetabix’s career opportunities, visit here.
Since 2012, Weetabix has been majority owned by Chinese firm Bright Food, with Baring Private Equity Asia joining the partnership in 2015. The investment from Bright Foods and Baring Private Equity has created a global partnership that is said to be helping Weetabix to grow both internationally and at home.