Weetabix to take on apprentices in link-up with Tresham College

The famous breakfast brand, with factories in Burton Latimer and Corby, will welcome applicants to apply from today (March 18), with apprentices officially starting in the summer.

The scheme will target college students and aim to enhance their skills and give them practical experience within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Weetabix says it is looking for talented individuals with drive, ambition and passion and a capacity to challenge the status quo to shape the company’s future.

The apprenticeship scheme will take on four people in 2016, including two apprentices in manufacturing and two in engineering, with plans to take eight a year from 2017.

Weetabix will be enlisting the help of dedicated mentors within its organisation who will provide successful applicants with practical tutorship in manufacturing, engineering and front-line leadership.

Head of UK manufacturing for Weetabix Alex Cosgrove said: “We’re really excited about the new Weetabix apprentice programme.

“Manufacturing is what this country was built and measured on.

“This is particularly true in Northamptonshire, which remains one of the biggest innovation hubs for food manufacturing, and at Weetabix, we are passionate about developing our people to be the best they can be because our people really make the difference.

“Tresham College is a big part of our apprenticeship drive and the programme will help us grow new and existing talent within our organisation to ensure we will house the experts and leaders of the future.”

Vice-principal for business development and customer services at Tresham David Higham said: “We are delighted to be able to re-establish and develop a lasting partnership with such a well-known business in the area.

“By supporting the apprenticeship scheme at Tresham, Weetabix have recognised the need for employers, large and small, to invest in the next generation of their workforce bringing new skills and a fresh insight to their business.”

Weetabix group HR director Stuart Branch said: “Weetabix is committed to retaining its values as a great place to work and at the heart of that commitment is our dedication to have the most highly trained, knowledgeable and passionate team members to propel the vision and performance of our business.

“Operations remain the engine-room of the organisation and it’s something that we are world leaders in, which is why continuing our strong manufacturing leadership and engineering development programmes is of paramount importance to us.”

Weetabix’s engineering apprenticeship scheme is open to applicants who are enthusiastic about engineering and qualified to NVQ level 2 in engineering.

The Weetabix manufacturing programme is open to anyone with an interest in learning the basics of leadership and business improvement, particularly those who wish to pursue a career in people management.

All applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at C or above or equivalent including English and mathematics.

Successful applicants will receive a salary, with apprentices training at Weetabix’s Burton Latimer or Corby facilities for four days a week and spending a minimum of one day a week furthering their practical education at Tresham College.

In addition to its support of the four successful apprentices, Weetabix will also provide £500 worth of educational sponsorship to other young engineers and manufacturing managers that are starting their career development and training.

Successful applicants will be provided with funding to purchase tools or study aids for their courses, receive guaranteed work experience placements at Weetabix and be fast tracked to interview stage for the apprenticeship course the following year.

Weetabix’s educational sponsorship is open to students undertaking relevant engineering courses who are aged 16 or below, ensuring young budding engineers get their careers off to the healthiest possible start.

To learn more about Weetabix’s career opportunities, click here.

Applicants interested in applying for an apprenticeship at Weetabix can email [email protected].