Bakkavor has kicked off a recruitment drive for 26 new apprentices.

The apprenticeship scheme has vacancies nationwide in roles including marketing, engineering, manufacturing, technical, processing and procurement.

The fresh prepared foods business – which makes a wide range of products including bread and pizza – currently employs 250 staff on apprenticeships.

“We are focused on attracting the best and brightest young people at Bakkavor and are extremely proud of our apprenticeship programme,” said Bakkavor group HR director Pippa Greenslade.

“It is a superb way to give young people the chance to gain real world experience and responsibility within a range of environments and we are committed to playing an active role in nurturing young talent in the food industry.”

Bakkavor runs two two-year apprentice schemes:

  • An Advanced Apprenticeship scheme aimed at school-leavers who have typically completed GCSEs and those starting in a new career.
  • A Higher Apprentice Scheme aimed at those who have typically gained A-Levels and are hoping to fast-track their career.

Engineering and Procurement apprenticeships are four-year schemes.

News of the recruitment push came a week after Bakkavor revealed that strong sales of bread and pizza had helped drive sales. Revenue from the firm’s continuing operations rose 4.6% from £1,735.4m to £1,814.8m in the 52 weeks to 30 December 2017.

Bakkavor said revenue growth had been partly driven by price rises agreed with customers in response to raw material cost increases.