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

If someone is considering a career in the food and drink industry I would tell them to take the opportunity and give it a try. This industry is so much more that what it is perceived to be – it goes so far beyond just a production line. From finance to engineering, marketing to field sales, legal to logistics, there is a whole range of jobs and careers available within the food and drink industry. There really is something for everyone.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is the flexibility and opportunities that being an apprentice provides. I am able to try new things, get involved in projects and move around the departments in a way that enhances my knowledge and allows me to develop skills that I wouldn’t be able to as easily if I was in one job role. Since starting this apprenticeship I have been involved in projects such as creating a new induction program for new starters, leading a donation project in the local area and launching a site wide competition as part of a campaign around diversity and inclusion. All of these projects fall outside my typical job role description but being an apprentice I have the ability to be involved in these great opportunities.

Learning whilst I am earning, without racking up a debt, has been the best experience for me personally. I am able to absorb the knowledge and apply it to my day to day tasks and it is this application that has meant that I have been able to grow my career prospects within the business I work for.

What was your starting salary? Has your salary changed since then – if not do you see salary progression?

My starting salary was £16,000 however it has increased since then. There are always opportunities to upskill and therefore increase your knowledge and experience which both contribute to salary progression

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

To my 16 year old self I would say that university isn’t the only path out there. When I was at school it was the only progression path that was ever discussed. The decision to not go to university was met with a lot of questions such as “why aren’t you going?”, “what are you going to do?”, “oh are you just deferring a year?” but you have to do what works for you.

Did you buy something special with your first pay cheque?

My first wage helped me to pay off my new car. I had been saving up for years to replace my first car (which had seen better days) and when I secured the apprenticeship with Coca Cola Europacific Partners I decided that I should celebrate by upgrading my car. The first pay cheque I received helped me to achieve this.