What does a Group Technical Degree Apprentice do?

Complete factory based rotations around the business as a whole. So far covered: Fresh pork, ready to eat Poultry, and ready to eat sliced meats. I have had the opportunity so far to be butchery QA supervisor and compliance project lead as temporary job roles in my rotations. I have had the opportunity to visit various sites, work with HACCP projects, go on external courses to receive accreditation, and learn to manage and lead people.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career?

Don’t be put off by the factory setting, I never knew how much I would prefer it to an office setting. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and get involved in the manufacturing process. Everyone is here to help you and don’t be scared to ask questions, engaging in a variety of departments will help you see the bigger picture and help push your career.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Having the opportunity to experience different areas of the business to give me a well-rounded perspective and working with different teams along the way. Theres a lot of investment into apprentices at Cranswick and this is a shared view wherever you go in the business.

If you had the chance to do it all over again, what would you do the same / differently?

I would move out of the office and into the manufacturing scene quicker, this is where I gained most of my knowledge, confidence, and experience. University teachings became easily transferrable.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

QA manager/ group technical support.

If you could give your 16 year old self some career advice, what would it be?

Everything works out in the end. There have been some events in my career which at the time I felt disappointed about, however each event has led me onto the path I am on today. If it is meant to be, it will be.