Apprentice Profiles

James Edwards

James's career diary
When I completed my A-levels, I decided the best way forward was to pursue an apprenticeship. I had no fixed idea about what kind of career I wanted to pursue, I just wanted to join a company that would allow me to learn on the job and really get behind my development. The British Sugar training course seemed to tick all the right boxes, so I went for it. 

Before joining, I had absolutely no idea how sugar was made. So the course gave me a fascinating insight into what is actually quite a complex process. It's taught me a great deal. Not just about the mechanical ins and outs of the process but also a whole range of useful skills like problem solving, relationship building and how to communicate effectively with my colleagues.

Six years on, I'm still here and building a successful career at a company I'm proud to work for.

Peter Shepheard

Peter's career diary
Experience and qualifications are key to getting a job these days, so the British Sugar Training Scheme was the perfect way to get started. I've always enjoyed fixing things so I got an enormous amount of enjoyment and satisfaction from the scheme. And getting paid to train was a huge bonus.

The training covered a lot of ground, both practical and theoretical, and was hugely varied and interesting. We got to use a wide range of kit and developed a solid understanding of the whole operation. What's more, the company were keen for us to build strong working relationships with others on the scheme.

There's a huge emphasis on teamwork and we were given every opportunity to practice this on a group outward bound trip. If you're self-motivated, hardworking and willing to learn, British Sugar will certainly get behind you and help you develop your talents.

Gemma Armiger

Gemma's career diary
When I left school, I was unsure about whether to carry on my education at university or plunge straight into working life. As it happened, I saw a British Sugar advert in the local paper which offered me the best of both worlds: the opportunity to gain further qualifications at the same time as benefiting from hands-on experience. It was the ideal compromise.

I finished my apprenticeship in September 2003 and during this time I acquired a wide range of knowledge of experience. Everything at British Sugar is controlled centrally, so I was able to indulge my interest in computers by learning all about programming the control systems. I also learned a number of engineering-based skills along the way which have added to my broad-based experience.

Now I've completed the engineering and electrical training, right now I'm concentrating on process training. It's a change from my usual electrical work and an interesting one at that. I will eventually return to my usual role but it's good to know that I have the support of management to become genuinely multi-skilled.