Investing in employee development isn’t just a strategy for growth—it’s a commitment to the future of our people and our business.
By integrating learning into the workplace, apprentice programmes empower employees to expand their skillsets and fosters a culture of continuous learning and development.
Apprenticeships not only bridge the skills gap but also ensure that our teams remain adaptable, motivated, and aligned with our long-term vision.
Marie Scurfield, Head of HR and Ethical commented about benefits of apprenticeship programmes for employers and employees:
“Apprenticeship programmes offer an array of benefits for both the employer and employee. The top three benefits for employers would be 1. They utilise government funding 2. Save recruitment costs by upskilling currently employees and 3. Supporting employee development of skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the job that enhances employee motivation and enables achievement of business objectives. The top three benefits or employees would be 1. Gaining relevant ‘on the job’ experience 2. Attaining a nationally recognised qualification and 3. Getting ahead in your career.”
At Angus Soft Fruits, we currently have four apprenticeship programmes running within the business in Maintenance and Finance teams.
Three of our current employees, Daniel Padeanu – Maintenance Manager, Madalin Ionita – Maintenance Operative and Marcin Kluska – Maintenance Operative are undertaking a Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship, which began in March 2023, and will run until September 2025.
Their line manager and General Site Manager, Ionut Tirziu felt there were incredible improvements within the team since starting the apprenticeship programme and shared his thoughts on the improvements with us:
“Our team members have grown from skilled laborers to budding engineers, developing a nuanced understanding of the science that powers our operations.
The Programme has enhanced communication by using a shared engineering lexicon has made our team more cohesive and efficient. Communication barriers have significantly diminished since. Enrolling them in the apprenticeship has rekindled their passion and curiosity, making them more engaged and committed to their roles. With a more profound grasp of engineering principles, the quality of work has noticeably improved, impacting our business positively.”
While we are proud to share the successes, Ionut has noted apprenticeships do come with their challenges too:
“Time Management can be an issue when you are juggling between the Programme demands and our business needs. There is a transitional period where productivity might take a small hit, and this needs to be managed wisely. Not everyone adapts to new knowledge at the same pace, this requires a tailored approach to mentoring”.
We also welcomed Ross Gilmartin in December 2023 as a Finance Modern Apprentice.
Ross is completing Business Admin SCQF 6 and has been a real asset to our Finance Team and is now planning to start ATTin September 2024.
We caught up with Ross to ask him about his apprenticeship journey:
What interested you in applying for an apprenticeship?
“I was interested in applying for an apprenticeship as I was looking for a career change and was going to need to learn everything right from the basics. Also, I was interested in an apprenticeship as the it allows you to both work and study at the same time”.
What has been your proudest achievement since starting the apprenticeship?
My proudest achievement since starting my apprenticeship has been achieving the milestones of my qualifications faster than expected, this is due to having a designated afternoon a week to do my studies. I also felt proud when I was also recently recognised by my peers and awarded the Angus Soft Fruits, Pick of the Crop Awards for working with ‘With Efficiency’.
What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?
My biggest challenge since starting my apprenticeship has been waiting on the different assessment plans being sent in from my assessors.
What is your end goal after completing this apprenticeship?
My end goal after completing my apprenticeship is going to be to continue progressing and sitting higher qualification to further my career.
Would you recommend apprenticeships?
I would recommend apprenticeships as it allows you to be getting hands on experience in your job as well as studying at the same time to further your knowledge.
At Angus Soft Fruits, we have found that Apprenticeship Programmes have been invaluable, offering a pathway to skill enhancement, career growth, and business success. As shown by the experiences shared by our team members, these programmes not only elevate individual capabilities but also strengthen the entire organisation, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Despite the challenges, the long-term benefits of such initiatives far outweigh the initial hurdles, making them essential investments for the future of our business and our employees. At Angus Soft Fruits, we are committed to continuing this journey, empowering our workforce, and driving our business forward.