Bakkavor to recruit 26 apprentices

Bakkavor Group, the fresh prepared food supplier, has revealed it is to recruit 26 new apprentices during 2018.

Vacancies within the scheme are nationwide and span a variety of roles, including marketing, engineering, manufacturing, technical, processing, procurement and chef. This is the sixth year that the company has run its apprenticeship scheme.

Bakkavor Group said that successful applicants would experience “real responsibility” from day one, contributing to key business activities and projects, while at the same time studying towards a relevant, nationally recognised qualification.

Life skills

The scheme also focuses on the development of life skills by encouraging apprentices to get involved with local community projects and charity initiatives.

There are currently 250 existing employees on apprenticeships within the business, it said. 

Pippa Greenslade, HR director at Bakkavor Group, said: “We are focused on attracting the best and brightest young people at Bakkavor and we are extremely proud of our apprenticeship programme.

“It is a superb way to give young people the chance to gain real world experience and responsibility within a range of environments and we are committed to playing an active role in nurturing young talent in the food industry.”

Apprenticeship schemes

The company runs two apprenticeship schemes across the business. The Advanced Apprenticeship scheme runs for two years and is aimed at school-leavers, typically those who have completed GCSEs and those starting in a new career.

The Higher Apprentice Scheme runs for two years and is aimed at those who have typically gained A-Level qualifications.

Its engineering and procurement apprenticeships last four years. 

Last year, Bakkavor revealed plans to take on 40 new apprenticeships during the year in manufacturing, engineering, development and HR roles.

Last week, Bakkavor Group revealed underlying like-for-like revenues were up 5.4% at £1.8bn (2016: £1.7bn) for the 52 weeks ended 30 December 2017. Adjusted pre-tax profit was up 4.2% at £152.6m (2016: £146.4m).