• Briefly describe your role…

I support across several areas of our commercial team – I am currently in the ‘Sainsburys team’, supporting with day-to-day admin, promo/volume analysis and building an online strategy which can be used to improve our online performance in Sainsburys but also used across our other accounts! I also support with Tesco supply chain, Kingsmill Professional (our foodservice brand) and more recently have managed our Getir account which consisted of building a proposal which generated a ‘win-win’ scenario, whilst driving volume and funding marketing spend!

• How did you end up in this job?

After deciding that I wanted to explore options outside of the traditional university route, I started looking into what apprenticeship options I could find. Knowing that I was interested in a sales or marketing-based role, and something in the food and drink industry, I came across a Business Development Executive apprentice role at Allied Bakeries. Not realising that it was a 5-minute drive from my house, I spoke to my mum about the role and we both agreed it was a great opportunity! I got started straight away on working through the application and over the coming weeks went through tests, an online interview and an in-person interview where I was then offered the job!

• What’s the best thing about your job?

One of the best things is the support from those around me! Everyone wants you to do well so are more than happy to answer questions, support with coursework and help with both my professional and personal development! Also being pushed outside of my comfort zone...my confidence has developed massively since first starting. I went from being really anxious for my first overnight stay away from home for a meeting, to now happily travelling round the world with friends!

It's also real life, something that you don’t get when learning in a classroom – I can actually see our products on shelves and see the impact that real events (whether that is the cost-of-living crisis or a hot summer weekend) have on the business.

• How long have you been doing your job?

Since July 2022 – I started the apprenticeship course November 22, and entered my EPA period end of Jan 24. By the end of June 24, it will be complete!

• Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Not sure! I want to go with the flow, after all am I still young and don’t want to shut off any options! Whether I am still in my role, progressing to a higher-level apprenticeship, have moved function within the business or even started a job elsewhere I know that there are so many opportunities within the food and drink industry!

• Did you buy something special with your first pay cheque?

As soon as I got my first pay cheque through, I bought my parents and brother their Christmas present (6 months in advance!). I had seen that the Royal Albert Hall had Home Alone in concert on in December, and as it is one of our favourite Christmas films, knew that it would be the perfect gift! I prayed that the tickets didn’t sell out before I got paid, and as soon as I did, bought them straight away haha! I managed to keep it a secret for about a week….