Are you considering an apprenticeship? Food giant Bakkavor is increasing its annual intake of trainees

The Bakkavor Group, which has factories in Bourne, Spalding, and Boston, is looking to take on 44 apprentices this year - six more than it recruited last year.

The food giant, which makes meals, salads, desserts plus pizzas and bread for many well known retailers, is seeking applications from people living in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

The company, which employs 17,000 people across the country, says it is looking for apprentices in a range of roles including engineering, manufacturing, technical, process, procurement, finance, HR and new product development.

Successful applicants will experience real responsibility from day one, contributing to key business activities and projects, while also studying towards a relevant, nationally recognised qualification.

They will also develop valuable life skills by getting involved in community projects and local charity initiatives.

Donna-Maria Lee, Group HR Director, said: “As the UK’s leading provider of fresh prepared food, we want to attract and keep the best talent in the business and are extremely proud of our award-winning Early Careers programme.

“Our people are our most important asset, and we are now looking for the next generation of talented individuals to join our talent development pipeline and gain real working experience from day one.

“Bakkavor’s Apprentice, Graduate and Undergraduate programmes offer a broad range of opportunities for people interested in finding out what they can achieve in a fast-moving and dynamic business.”

Bakkavor has run its apprentice programme for eight years and offers two levels of apprenticeship.

The Advanced Apprenticeship runs for two years and is aimed at school leavers, typically those who have completed GCSEs and are starting in a new career. As an exception, Bakkavor’s Advanced Engineering Apprenticeships is four years.

The Higher Apprenticeship also runs for two years, except Engineering which is four, and is aimed at those who have typically gained A-Level qualifications and are hoping to fast-track their career.

As an exception, Bakkavor’s Engineering and Procurement Higher Apprenticeships are four-year schemes.

Applications for Bakkavor’s 2021 Apprenticeships are open now and will close on February 26.