Weetabix early careers initiatives celebrate new sector talent

Weetabix champions early career opportunities with an expanded apprenticeship scheme across four key fields: manufacturing, engineering, IT and HR. This includes an upskilling programme for manufacturing employees with the company, supporting further growth and development across the team.

The early careers initiative, which previously only included apprenticeships in manufacturing and engineering, has now grown to offer even higher levels of qualifications, as well as the new additions of IT and HR qualifications for industry newcomers.

This includes:

• Manufacturing – Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship
• Engineering – Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
• IT – Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship
• HR – Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship – including Level 3 CIPD in People Practice

Since its inception, 14 apprentices have secured roles within Weetabix – one of which is now close to celebrating their ninth year with the company.

Manufacturing teams can also benefit from an array of upskilling qualifications, including the Manufacturing Excellence Programme (MEP), as well as a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship for production operators and a Level 3 Team leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship for shift managers and lead engineers.

The programme, sponsored by Weetabix senior leaders, encourages team-based learning that boosts talent and gives employees the opportunity to develop and progress new skills with the company.
Close to 400 applications have now been received for the new Weetabix apprenticeships, offered at its headquarters in Burton Latimer.

“Nurturing new talent through our early careers and upskilling initiatives is such an important focus for us at Weetabix," said Christine Bryanton, Senior Early Careers Advisor.

“We’re proud to support young people entering into the industry, building a positive culture of learning, trust and loyalty, as well as helping our teams develop even further within the company.

“That includes encouraging more women into engineering roles with our annual Women In Engineering day, which gives year-10 students hands-on experience of what working as a Weetabix engineer is all about!”

The Weetabix Women in Engineering Day forms part of the company’s longer-term strategy to boost interest in engineering and manufacturing fields. While there may not be an immediate increase in applications, the goal of the event is to inspire and encourage more female students to consider engineering as a future career option. Its second annual event was held this October 11 and was attended by eight students from local schools.