Bridge Cheese apprentices get a taste of the sector

Holly Rosser and Alicia Turrell are level three business administration apprentices with the Stafford Park-based company which produces a range of cheese products for customers such as restaurant chains, food manufacturers and wholesalers.

Managing director Michael Harte said the food and drink sector was a great choice for youngsters looking to complete an apprenticeship.

"No matter the wider economic situation, food is one product which people literally can't live without. This stability can make it a great career choice. Our industry is looking to recruit 140,000 people by 2024 to feed an estimated population of 70 million people, so getting in on the ground floor through an apprenticeship is a good move. We are delighted to have welcomed Alicia and Holly to our team here in Telford, where they have the opportunity to work, learn and earn at the same time."

Holly is Bridge Cheese's procurement coordinator where she manages supplier approval and management, manages stock control and builds relationships with suppliers.

She said: "It's a great team and you really have the opportunity to develop your skills and to get real experience in the workplace."

Alicia, whose training includes processing orders, responding to customer queries and being the key point of communication between sales and operations, added: "I really like doing my apprenticeship with Bridge Cheese, they are friendly people who are always willing to help and share their knowledge."

Established in 2018, Bridge Cheese sources a wide range of cheese and dairy ingredients from across the UK and Europe. Its products range from grated cheddar cheese found in retail sandwiches to the string cheese used in stuffed-crust pizzas.

In the last 18 months, a number of significant contract wins have put Bridge Cheese on a growth trajectory. Demand for its products has also spiked throughout the Covid crisis.