The launch of Moy Parks’ new apprenticeship scheme comes two months after the reveal of a new training and development programme to boost the skills of its teams across the UK.
The four-year apprenticeship programme – open for applicants across Northern Ireland and Great Britain – will provide apprentices with mentorship support and access to additional learning and development schemes with Moy Park’s engineering team.
The class-based curriculum, developed in partnership with local colleges and training partners, will include modules on the latest technical trends and engineering advancements as well as problem solving techniques.
Invaluable skills
Moy Park early career and apprenticeship manager Nicola Hayward said the programme would equip young people with invaluable practical skills to thrive in this ever-evolving sector.
“Our students also receive extensive mentorship support and hands-on, practical learning experiences, all while benefiting from Moy Park’s additional workplace learning and reward schemes,” she added.
“Apprentices form an integral part of our business, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives which is essential to our position at the forefront of cutting-edge food innovation. With over 20 places up for grabs, we look forward to welcoming new recruits in the coming months.”
Practical learning
Commenting on his experience at Moy Park, engineering apprentice Stephen Spence said his time with the business had helped him develop career ready skills and that the programme was tailored for practical learning.
“Personally, I feel that I learn more by being hands on, so the opportunity to learn in a classroom and immediately be able to put it into practice the next day at work is the perfect way for me to earn my qualifications, and quickly develop skills that I can use throughout my career,” said Spence.
“Being an apprentice is also being a part of a business, so you get the benefits that comes from being part of a team as well as a student.”
Meanwhile, staff shortages and a slowdown in the take-up of apprenticeships are making it harder to maintain food standards, according to Terry Fennell, chief executive of specialist qualifications awarding body FDQ.