Alfie shares sweet success of his apprenticeship  has shared some insights into his experience.

Alfie, aged 21, is two and half years into his engineering apprenticeship, having decided post A-Levels that university wasn’t for him.

He wanted to do something practical, and responded to an online advert from Nestlé, for a role that would allow him to apply his maths skills and statistical mindset to a hands-on line of work.

Speaking about his apprenticeship, Alfie said: “The amount of thought and expertise that goes into the machinery alone is mind-boggling at first, but it’s exciting to get your head around.

“I didn’t come from an engineering background, but I’ve gone from knowing next to nothing, to being responsible for maintenance tasks on the production line throughout the day.

In his role, Alfie is responsible for always keeping Purina pet food production lines operational – which means reducing how often there is a breakdown, and how long it lasts – as well as putting his milling, turning, welding, electrics learnt at college to the test on the factory floor.

For those thinking about an apprentice, here’s Alfie’s biggest piece of advice: “Don’t be scared if you don’t have the current skillset to be an engineer – or for whatever role you’re interested in. It’s about mindset as well as skillset. The most important thing is that you’re willing to give it your all, and build a rapport with people along the way.

“I’ve worked in seven different and varied teams already, and I’ve never felt out of place. Each team has been very accommodating when I need to focus on my studies and I honestly believe there’s nothing this company can’t give you in terms of support and progression.”

Alfie’s ambition is to get a distinction in his apprenticeship, and to secure a permanent contract with Nestlé at the end of the scheme.

For more information, visit https://www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/nestle-academy/apprenticeships.