A trainee with food manufacturer Bakkavör has been declared the 2,000th person to complete an apprenticeship in England’s food manufacturing industry in 2014. 

Tasha Devey, 21, is one of more than 9,675 people to complete an apprenticeship in the sector in the UK in the past five years, according to the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink.

Figures show that 2014 was a record year with 2,000 certificates issued in England.

Justine Fosh, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink said: “Bakkavör is a great example of a company that encourage apprentices to reach their full potential and this apprenticeship, delivered by an excellent provider in the University of Lincoln, provides a great bedrock for a young person to develop their future in the industry.”

Amy Wright, Bakkavör’s group HR recruitment officer, added: “Our well-established apprentice scheme allows for a combination of practical training with focused college work, which in turn allows the apprentice to bring new ideas and fresh thinking as well as having the confidence to challenge the way we do things.

“Apprenticeships are a great way of investing in young talent for the future and will result in the business having great young people that have the potential to develop specific and unique skills for the food industry.”

Premier Foods this week announced plans to double its intake of apprentices.