Meet our apprentice… Byron Meikle

Meet our apprentice… Byron Meikle

As one of the UK’s leading food groups, we are always looking at ways to develop the generation of talent to help us on our mission to make ‘Food to Feel Good’. One way we are doing this is through our apprenticeship scheme, which is helping to introduce new people into the exciting world of food and drink, as well as developing the skills of our current employees.

One of our current apprentices is Byron. Byron started at The Compleat Food Group on a temporary basis at the start of 2021 as a part-time admin assistant in the Health and Safety Department. After showing his passion for the job, we offered him a Level 3 Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Technician Apprenticeship.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we caught up with Byron to find out more about how he’s finding his apprenticeship and his advice to others.

How did your apprenticeship begin?

I had done ten years in another industry, before joining The Compleat Food Group in a part time role. As my knowledge in the role grew, I learnt more about Health and Safety and decided to embark on an apprenticeship at the company to increase my skills. I eventually want to reach Diploma level, so I have the full set of SHE knowledge and practicability.

What does an average day look like?

From audits and inspections and replenishing safety stock to chairing union safety meetings, attending SLT meetings and dealing with site environmental issues – it’s very varied. My job is challenging, but very rewarding!

What’s your favourite thing about the role?

I enjoy it all as the role covers so much! The pace of learning and development has been phenomenal, I get so much support from senior members of the team and there is so much space for growth at Compleat. I am really enjoying the implementation of safety systems into the workplace, if I had to pick one thing.

Any advice to others?

My advice would be that the more you put into an apprenticeship the more you will get out of it. If you are organised and love a challenge, go for it! I would also say it’s never too late to get involved in an apprenticeship, they are brilliant ways to grow your skills, especially when you are part of a supportive and leading business like Compleat.

To find out more about careers at The Compleat Food Group, please visit here.