CELEBRATING OUR APPRENTICES
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February 2025). We’re delighted that at Samworth Brothers we have many fantastic apprentice stories to tell.
We currently have 270 apprentices on programme in an amazing variety of apprenticeship roles – from engineering and supply chain, to finance and HR, procurement and packaging, operations management to the craft training of butchers, to warehouse management, HGV driving and vehicle maintenance.
There are apprentices in every part of our organisation and at all stages of their Samworth Brothers career journey – from colleagues who have recently joined from education to those with years of experience in the business who want to develop their skills.
Meet Gedrick – apprentice engineer
Gedrick is working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Food and Drink Maintenance Engineering – working on the job and going to college three times a year on block release for six weeks.
“I would advise anyone thinking of becoming an apprentice to go for it, it is such a great experience and opportunity. You get the chance to learn both the theory and practical side of the apprenticeship you choose to do which is great as you are getting the knowledge and hands on experience while learning.
“I have always had an interest in engineering. Fixing things and how things work in general so becoming an Engineer especially a multiskilled maintenance engineer just made sense.
“My site is very supportive of my apprenticeship especially the engineering department from the managers to the engineers, they always make sure we get the help we need and have the right equipment and anything else that we need for our apprenticeship.”
Meet Julia – gaining hands-on experience
Julia is working towards an Institute of Leadership & Management Level 6 graduating in November 2026.
“As a part of my apprenticeship, I attend university of Sheffield Hallam University for four days every other month.
“I think the apprenticeship will help me decide what path I want to go down career wise. It will also help with aiming for a more senior role once I have completed the course as I will have hands-on experience with industry-specific processes, leadership, industry technical systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
“If you are debating becoming an apprentice, I say do it! It’s truly an amazing experience and worth a ton. You gain experience you may not be able to obtain by just being at university and it gives you a step up in the career ladder.
Meet River – apprentice food technologist
Before joining Samworth Brothers, River was a student at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford and is now working towards a BSc Professional Practice in Food Technology
“I’m currently working in group technical as a group food technologist; my role focuses on areas of compliance, food safety, quality & food integrity. This includes liaising with sites across Samworth to initiate projects, create a working team & gather their feedback on existing systems to take forward and make recommendations.
“My biggest piece of advice to someone who is thinking about becoming an Apprentice is to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.
“I attend university blocks every 6-8 weeks for three or four days at a time. Navigating the food industry, university & apprenticeship whilst living with a visual impairment comes with its challenges, but the support I’ve received from both Samworth Brothers & Sheffield Hallam University has allowed me to partake in all aspects, with the occasional adaption to allow me to access the content easier.”
If you’re interested in an apprenticeship, look at our Early Careers vacancies here: https://bit.ly/3V9iwHS