Describe your job in 20-25 words.

My role varies greatly but encompasses many aspects including wastewater treatment, energy efficiency, sustainability, social corporate responsibility, biodiversity, and waste management, among others.

How did you end up in this job?

When I was leaving sixth form at eighteen, I applied for university in geography and environmental sciences courses, however, I felt I would benefit more from hands-on, practical learning on the job through an apprenticeship because you gain more work experience, you have no student debt, gain responsibilities and earn whilst you learn. As a result, I applied to lots of environmental degree apprenticeships across the country, including at ABP UK. The application processes for these degree apprenticeships were long, often the process was: initial application, online cognitive tests, a video interview, and a final interview stage (either in person or on a video call). My final interview stage at ABP UK included presenting a pre-prepared presentation to the interview panel, a teamwork exercise to see how we (the candidates) interacted with each other to solve a problem, and two interview sessions. At the end of that procedure, I was lucky to be offered the job, to which I gratefully accepted the role.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In five years, I see myself as an Environmental and Sustainability Manager within ABP UK. However, I also aspire to be in a Group-based role whether that be in sustainability, climate change, biodiversity, energy, or another field. There may be many opportunities available to me when I finish my degree apprenticeship, so I can’t wait for what the future holds!

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

Be open to opportunities: I was sceptical about working for a meat production company initially, as an environmentally conscious Christian, but after I started working here, I realised that there are so many opportunities to influence the environmental agenda on site within this company, and that became empowering. I would also say: don’t be disheartened by rejection. Rejection to certain opportunities provides space for other options to come into fruition and take root in your life.

Did you buy something special with your first pay cheque?

I bought a second-hand Christmas tree from a charity shop in Yeovil, and seen as I hadn’t fully moved into my flat, proceeded to store it in the boot of my car for a few weeks, I then stored it under my bed, and couldn’t wait to put it up in December 2024, in my new flat for the first time. So, it wasn’t necessarily special, but memorable instead!