2 Sisters apprentice commitment

25 July 2016

Leaders from our people and talent teams gathered at a House of Commons event last week to support the unveiling of ten new industry approved apprenticeship programmes.

The event, organised by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD), underlined our commitment to developing the new apprenticeship standards which span key skills shortage areas including engineering, food science, operations management and bakery, amongst others.

Each Industry Approved Apprenticeship Programme (IAAP) has been designed by the industry and contains an approved qualification – either a brand new qualification specifically designed for the apprenticeship, or a degree put through a rigorous assessment process to ensure it is right for the industry.

Nigel Perry, Group people and change director at 2 Sisters Food Group, said: the result was “a new model which puts employers in the driving seat with regards standards." 

“We now know what ‘good’ looks like and employers in the food and drink industry can expect consistency of quality and delivery.”

The Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom dedicated her first speech in her new role as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to the importance of apprenticeships, saying they would be one of her key priorities. Addressing delegates, she said:  “In a post-Brexit world, investing in skills and apprenticeships will be more important than ever. Apprenticeships don’t just change lives; they provide this country with the skilled workers it needs to flourish.”

The new apprenticeships are the result of over two years of industry collaboration and the hard work of an industry steering group.

The new Industry Approved Apprentice Programmes launched at the event were:

  • Level 2 Food & Drink Process Operator
  • Level 2 Baker
  • Level 2 Fishmonger
  • Level 3 Advanced Baker
  • Level 3 Food & Drink Advanced Operator
  • Level 3 Food Technologist
  • Level 3 Supply Chain Professional
  • Level 3 Food & Drink Maintenance Engineer
  • Level 5 Advanced Dairy Technologist
  • Level 6 Food Industry Technical Manager

ACCESS TO SKILLED WORKERS: The Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom speaking at the event in her new role as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

-Ends-

See all our news