Laura
Hetherington

Why did you choose to do this apprenticeship?

I chose to do this apprenticeship through my workplace to further my knowledge of food technology and also to gain a qualification.

What stands out about NTU and Brackenhurst?

The campus is really lovely and I feel like my opinion matters even though I am just an apprentice.

How do you find your modules and what have you most enjoyed studying?

I have most enjoyed studying food science and raw materials as I had originally thought raw material checks were mainly checking them visually against the specs, I enjoy studying food science because I have always enjoyed science.

How do you believe this apprenticeship will affect both your current job role and future career?

I can only see this apprenticeship positively affecting both of these – I came into my job through this apprenticeship and feel quite strongly that I am in a much better position than some of my colleagues that didn’t choose this apprenticeship.

How would you rate the teaching and support staff on this apprenticeship?

I have never had to deal with the support staff, but the teaching staff are very supportive and make me feel more self-assured.

What do you think of the facilities available at Brackenhurst?

Our cohort aren’t particularly on campus as often as others but I believe that the facilities (library, food labs, etc) are

How have you balanced studying alongside your professional role? How have you found the support from your employer?

As I have gotten more comfortable with my role I have found it much easier to juggle the two factors, I feel quite lucky to have managers that understand that I need designated time to complete my apprenticeship work and as I have become more comfortable in my workplace I also feel like I can now speak up if I need more time on certain activities.

What is your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?

I really enjoyed meeting my cohort and forming relationships with them, we have a wide range of ages, backgrounds and workplaces – I grew up in a very rural area where everyone knows everyone and their families, the diverse range of people on this course have helped with my understanding of different business’s procedures, processes and mindsets. My current job is the first ‘proper’ job I’ve had and I feel like the apprenticeship has rounded my view of the professional landscape of the food industry.

What skills and experience have you gained as part of this apprenticeship? Has there been anything that you were not expecting?

I feel like my communication skills and holding myself professionally have really improved over the course of this apprenticeship.