• How did you end up in this job?

I’m currently on one of Samworth Brother’s ‘Early Career’ Schemes. I am one of the Higher Level Apprentices; on this route, we work in three different one-year placements while undertaking a 3 year BA at Sheffield Hallam University. I found this job when looking for ‘Degree Apprenticeships’ on the Gov.UK website after finishing my A Levels.

• What was your starting salary?

My starting salary in my first year was £19,000.

• How long have you been doing your job?

I have been with Samworth Brothers for nearly two years, I’m in my second placement currently working in the Food to Go’s NPD department as a Technologist on the Tesco account. My first placement was in Commercial working at an Executive level on the Starbucks account.

• Has your salary changed since then – if not do you see salary progression?

Our scheme is set up to give you a pay rise on each placement; by the time you come off the scheme, you are already earning a good salary (especially for your age!).

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

You’re only 16! You don’t need to know how you want to spend the rest of your adult working life just yet. Take as many opportunities as you can but don’t feel like you need to choose your final path until you have explored. The working world is definitely changing; going to uni is no longer the be-all and end-all (unless you want to go into a STEM field). If you still want a degree to fall back on, look at alternative routes such as a Degree Apprenticeship where you can gain the qualification without the financial burden. Experience is crucial regardless of what path you take so spend some time doing things you can add to your CV: a part-time job, online courses, first aid training, extracurriculars etc. all look really good.