Background and Motivation: David Bennett is the Boning Hall Production Manager for a large meat processing plant. He is based in South Wales and is currently on his second apprenticeship with Cambrian Training. Having successfully completed the FDQ level 3 Certificate for Proficiency in Food Management, he is now working towards completing the L4 Proficiency in Food Manufacturing Excellence. 

David never thought he would achieve any qualifications and school didn’t suit his learning style. He was surprised at how well run the course was and how it fit around his role in the workplace, rather than him having to fit around a set schedule. He commented: “The no pressure way of learning makes it so much easier to complete the modules when you can”. Then added: “I work away from home so the course doesn’t interfere with my family life, I can complete the modules as quickly or slowly as I have time for, depending on my workload”.

Professional Growth: David enjoyed his Level 3 apprenticeship and felt that it gave him knowledge that he could utilise in his job. The information he learned during his apprenticeship helped him improve his overall performance in his role as Production Manager. He explained that his Level 4 apprenticeship in Food Manufacturing Excellence has improved his knowledge and understanding of his job role even more and stated: “The food industry is continuously evolving, and the course highlighted that as my industry advances with new technologies, I must adapt and change with it”.

Challenges: David felt a bit apprehensive at first as he didn’t find school engaging and said that he often found it boring. He believed that the apprenticeship would be similar, but he was pleasantly surprised and has been enjoying the course, even progressing onto a second apprenticeship after achieving his Level 3

Advice for Adult Learners: A testament to his endorsement of apprenticeships, David encourages his own staff to enrol on apprenticeships and said: “I would say it is a good way to learn. It’s a very good way of enhancing your knowledge of your job and a no pressure way of gaining a qualification at the same time”.

Conclusion: David’s story shows that you can enjoy the adult learning experience and the apprenticeships, even if you have had a negative experience with education in the past. Cambrian Training’s work based apprenticeships are flexible and are tailored to suit the learner and their workplace. This flexibility has allowed him to gain knowledge and qualifications he didn’t think were available to him and is now considering his options for progression to the next level.