• How did you end up in this job?

When I finsihed school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I thought my best option was so fill my time with some more education and get some A Levels. This gave me time to think. I studied theatre studies, psychology, and photography. I dont use any of these things in my career today. When I finished, I took a gap year to work for some experience. I took on different jobs in hospitality, retail and caring. I still could not settle on what I wanted to do and was ready to look for another job to give something else a try until my dad suggested that I look into apprenticeships at MARS. I never actually knew they offered apprenticeships. I decided to apply on a whim, and got the job! It was the best decision I ever made and I havent looked back since. 

• What advice would you give to someone persuing this career?

I would strongly encourage someone to look into the Food and Drink Industry as a whole and look to see which sector fits them the most. Educate yourself on the job opportunities and think about what you might enjoy the most. There are so many different apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships with so many companies, you just need to find the right one that suites you. Apply for more than one apprenticeship and go to all the interviews that you get invited to. This will give you experience, and you will be able to get a feel for what sort of company they are, and if they are the right choice for you.

• What does an operation apprentice do?

As an Operational Apprentice, your role is to learn. You will learn so much about the factory you work for and how the lines run. My scheme has allowed me to understand the role of people on site and how their role is important to run the factory. I spend time in the factory, on the line, with operators, engineers, and with different support functions such as Safety, Continuous Improvement, Site Leadership and Logistics. 
As my qualification is a Level 3 Food and Drink Technical Operator we touch on some basics of engineering as well as operational, which is a great mix of the two, and means you are learning different things all the time.

• Whats the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is the opportunity that comes along with it. I know that if I changed my mind tomorrow about what I wanted to do, I could find a way to get there with the support that I need to do so. The Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry has so many career oportunities, which means there's always something new to do if that is what you choose. Within my company, if you have the drive and dedication to learn something, you absolutley can. Also, I feel valued, appreciated and supported by my company. 

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

The only thing I would do differently would be doing it sooner. 
Back then, I did not have the knowledge I needed on apprenticeships or the Food and Drink industry to understand what a great career opportunity it would be. It is important to me now to make sure young people see that there are other options after school and college such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and even graduate schemes.