Kettle Foods celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by supporting 21 employees as part of its apprenticeship programme – the highest number since the introduction of the scheme back in 2017.

The company committed to supporting a record number of employees this year through different apprenticeships covering several areas such as operational & supply chain management, finance, continuous improvement, HR, learning and development and business administration. National Apprenticeship Week ran from the 3rd – 9th February and is a Government backed initiative which aims to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy.

Ashley Hicks, managing director at Kettle Foods, said: “We are so pleased with how Kettle Foods is able to support so many people in their careers through initiatives such as The Apprenticeship Programme. It supports the theory we had that developing people at all levels not only helps the organisation become more successful and sustainable but also really changes the individual’s experience at work.”

Since the Government’s introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in May 2017, Kettle Foods has provided recruitment and development opportunities both internally and externally. The company’s ambition is to encourage learning while working within the industry, supporting apprentices’ future career aspirations by allowing them to develop and explore their current skill set.

Marcus, infrastructure technician and Level 3 apprentice, said: “To gain valuable experience and qualifications within the IT industry is hugely beneficial. I have been able to develop communicative skills and behaviours of working in a corporate environment.”

Sandra Joyes, learning and development manager, said: “The Apprenticeship Programme covers a variety of elements which are relevant to each employee’s role, specifically incorporating competence and knowledge units which can be implemented into their day to day tasks. Apprenticeships are a great way of helping the team to grow in their roles whilst also bringing new knowledge and expertise to the wider Kettle Team.”