In this series, British Baker talks to people from across the baking industry to find out about their career path, what their job involves, and the latest trends that are shaping their work.
We’re looking to showcase a diverse range of talent and job types across the industry, so if you’d like to be involved, please email amy.north@wrbm.com
Name: Lily-Anna Barclay
Age: 18
Job title: Digital marketing apprentice
Company and location: Ingredients manufacturer Macphie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Education: I attended Portlethen Academy where I undertook a Foundation Apprenticeship in food science & technologies with Macphie. As well as working full time, I’m now attending Dundee & Angus College every two weeks as I complete my digital marketing apprenticeship.
“Many people assume that because I have ‘digital’ in my job title, that I’m sat in front of a computer screen all day but my role takes me all over the business”
Tell us about your career to date:
I was first introduced to Macphie while I was at school. I’d signed up for a Foundation Apprenticeship in food & drink technologies which was supported by Macphie. Over the course of four months, we travelled to Macphie every week and during this time we developed our own dessert sauce. Macphie walked us through the whole process from research and development to factory trials and product launch.
I really enjoyed my time there and stayed in touch with the business once I had completed my apprenticeship. Soon after, an opening came up with the health & safety department which was looking for some support, so Macphie got in touch with me to ask if I would be interested. I snapped up the opportunity and once my time with health & safety came to an end, I spent some time with the product development team then finance, HR, and customer service.
I loved getting to know the different areas of the business and was soon offered to stay on full-time and to undertake a digital marketing modern apprenticeship.
Explain your job in a sentence (or two)
As digital marketing apprentice, it’s my job to help plan and execute aspects of our overall marketing strategy. This includes everything from market research, social media posting, and search engine optimisation.
What does a typical work day involve for you?
As part of a busy marketing team, my days can be really varied but a lot of my work revolves around our marketing campaigns. It’s my job to keep our website up to date so I spend a lot of time uploading new recipes or new product information. We’re always planning ahead so we could be working on Christmas ideas in summer, which feels very odd!
I also have regular check-ins with my manager to make sure I’m on track with my coursework.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Having first been introduced to Macphie through a school initiative, I love getting to be part of some of the visits and events we host with our school partners.
I also love supporting photo shoots. We spend a lot of time with the chefs and bakers to come up with dishes and bakes which showcase our products and it’s great to see the concepts come to life (and to get to eat some of them once the photos have been taken).
What is a common misconception about your role?
Many people assume that because I have ‘digital’ in my job title, that I’m sat in front of a computer screen all day. However, my role takes me all over the business. Some days I’ll be in the bakery helping with photo shoots, other days I’ll be filming content in our factories or helping to host staff events like our company conferences or children’s Christmas parties.
What are your career highlights so far?
Being asked to join Macphie full-time after my foundation apprenticeship was a real highlight for me. I’m really proud that my work impressed the team and I’m loving my time in the marketing department.
What are your ultimate career goals?
I have so much to learn and I want to soak up all the opportunities Macphie has to offer. Right now, my goal is to complete my apprenticeship and continue to progress my marketing and food industry experience.
Interested in a career in bakery? Check out Foodmanjobs for the latest vacancies.
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