Food-to-go manufacturer Bakkavor is offering 74 new apprenticeship opportunities this year at 18 of its sites across the UK.
Positions will be offered in specialist areas including engineering, manufacturing, finance, supply chain management, processing, and data analysis, with applications open on 10 February to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. The recruitment period closes in June for a September 2025 start.
The initiative forms the latest part of Bakkavor’s annual Apprenticeship Programme, which it has run for the past 12 years – 2024 welcomed an intake of 86 apprentices.
“At Bakkavor, we recognise the vital role that skills like engineering, manufacturing, and business operations play in shaping the UK’s future workforce,” commented Donna-Maria Lee, chief people officer at Bakkavor. “These are the areas that power innovation, drive efficiency, and enable industries to stay competitive on a global stage.”
Lee noted that Bakkavor’s Apprenticeship Programme represents an important investment in people and their potential. “By providing a combination of practical training, professional qualifications, and real-world experience, we are equipping individuals with the tools they need to build meaningful and lasting careers. We are proud to support the development of future talent, not just for Bakkavor, but for the wider economy,” she added.
The opportunity to develop key skills comes at a time when there is a significant skills shortage in the UK. Last year, the Welsh government increased its funding of baking apprenticeships and revamped the framework to help ease the bakery skills shortage in Wales.
Here’s a breakdown of the Bakkavor site locations, split into regions, where new apprenticeships will run:
- Lincolnshire - 35 (Spalding 14, Bourne 8, Boston 4, Holbeach 1, Sutton Bridge 2, Barton 1, Bakkavor Group 5)
- Scotland - 11 (all at Bo’ness)
- London - 10 (Abbeydale 2, Cumberland 2, Harrow 3 Elveden 1, London Meals 2)
- Nottinghamshire – 7 (Newark)
- Kent – 3 (Tilmanstone)
- Somerset – 4 (Highbridge 2, Devizes 2)
- Northwest – 3 (Crewe)
- Midlands - Aston (1)
The programme focuses on two key levels – Advanced and Higher. The Advanced Apprenticeship is held over two years and is said to be ideal for school leavers, combining employment, training, and development, whereas the Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship extends to four years, reflecting the importance of mastering technical skills. Meanwhile, the Higher Apprenticeship is also run over two years and is designed for individuals who wish to develop specialist knowledge and take on greater responsibility early in their careers.
Bakkavor provides a range of freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps, pizza, and other bakery products as well as salads, ready meals, and desserts to the convenience sector.
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