Fresh chilled food producer Freshtime has taken on its first ever apprentice.
Laura Harpham began her career as a chef but joined the firm in March as a trainee buyer in the procurement department to develop her career in a more commercial role.
“Freshtime has given me a brilliant opportunity and I intend not to waste a second of it,” said Harpham, who lives in Pinchbeck and attended school in Stamford and Baston.
“I have lots to learn but everybody has been so patient and supportive that I look forward to being able to pull my own weight within the team. That’s all quite a way off at the moment, but every day brings a new challenge and I am very much enjoying my junior role.”
John Stokes, head of procurement at Freshtime, said Harpham is currently in the early stages of the process but is learning quickly and starting to make a contribution to the business.
“We’re very pleased with Laura’s progress so far and feel that training our own team can only be a benefit to the future of Freshtime and the wider industry.”
Harpham, 20, is being supported by Sharon Green, head of skills and work-based learning at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln.
Freshtime is based in Boston, Lincolnshire and supplies chilled, value added, ready-to-eat salads, snacks, prepared vegetables and sandwich fillers to leading multiple retailers and food service operators.
