ABP is one of Europe's leading beef processors. We have built our success on entrepreneurship, technological investment and a deep knowledge of the sectors in which we operate. As key stakeholders in the integrity of the food supply chain we are focused on ensuring the full traceability of our products. With different career developing paths available, you can follow the placement route, graduate scheme or apprenticeship opportunity, gaining a hands-on experience learning valuable industry skills and an in depth understanding of the business and its sectors.
Our core business - ABP Beef - is supported by its renewable, pet food and protein divisions, which combine to ensure the value of by-products is maximized and the environmental impact of the business and our customers is minimized. Our company has doubled the size of its business in the past 10 years, and continues to seek additional growth opportunities through organic initiatives and potential acquisitions.
Opportunity Details
We lead the industry with our technical programmes providing the commercial teams with the best possible platform to develop business with a wide range of customers. Our under-graduate programme will provide individuals with a thorough understanding of all technical aspects of our business from abattoir to finished product. Learning the standards of a successful food business throughout the process, from focusing on animal welfare and farm visits, to retail packing, and understanding the importance of shelf arrangement and customer relationships. This is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduates who wish to pursue a career in the fresh food industry. It will give individuals practical experience of working for one of Europe's largest meat businesses, offering the opportunity to build valuable industry connections by gaining exposure to various departments and their roles in delivering safe & high-quality finished products to customers. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the business, not only the fresh meat operations, but also how waste is repurposed into pet food, and the chance to visit our non-meat site, Eat Well.
Undergraduate programme
The Quality and Technical function within ABP ensures that our products are safe, legally compliant and meet with our customer quality requirements. This twelve-month undergraduate programme will ensure that you gain hands-on, practical experience in aspects of the meat supply chain, from farm to fork. At each point in the chain, you will meet and work with technical and quality team members gaining an understanding of their roles and how they contribute to ensuring the products we sell are safe, compliant, and meet our customers' strict quality requirements. This may include, looking at legal labelling and nutritional claims, reviewing and updating HACCP systems and procedures and that they are being followed, as well as observing & assisting during customer audits and gaining an understanding of customer standards.
With a well-structured twelve months, by the end, you will have an in-depth understanding of what to expect from a Technical career within the fresh food industry and be well placed to apply for our sponsored Graduate Programme. Completing a placement year before finishing University studies gives you an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience that will build the foundations for your future career. It will enhance your confidence, develop your presentation and report writing skills, and provide the chance to manage day-to-day responsibilities and projects.
Throughout the programme you will be involved in various areas of the Quality and Technical function, such as microbiological testing, species and allergen testing, investigations into complaints and nutritional testing, assisting with internal and external audits, hosting retailer visits, experiencing time with different departments at the site, for example, hygiene, NPD, commercial, and planning. You'll have the chance to complete training to help with your development such as level 3 HACCP and food safety, animal welfare training, WATOK & COSHH.
Knowledge & Experience
We're looking for undergraduates studying for a degree in Food Science or related science discipline eg Microbiology, Food Science or Food and Nutrition.
In addition, individuals should:
Have a clear interest in developing a career within the food industry.
Demonstrate an analytical approach to problem solving!
Be great communicators with an ability to influence others.
Be keen on detail.
Due to the remoteness of our factories, it is desirable for all applicants to hold a full UK driving licence.