Jonathan, 22, has progressed to deputy team leader at Lancashire based Schwan’s Consumer Brands all thanks to his Apprenticeship.
He joined the company in 2001. He enrolled on an Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations. Due to his quick grasp of the role and the skills needed to succeed, Jonathan was promoted to his current role within five months of completing his Apprenticeship - a massive accomplishment for someone of his age. His promotion was coupled with his decision to begin his Team Leading Qualification.
In his current role, Jonathan is not only responsible for the quality of all the products within the bakery, but also for maintaining safe working practises at all times. Jonathan works with his team to meet targets, keeping then motivated, whilst minimising downtime and maintaining productive efficiency in the bakery.
Jonathan comments: ‘I’d like to think my newfound skills, knowledge and added responsibility is partly responsible for an increase in our manufacturing output of 6.5 per cent in 2006.
As part of the ongoing development of the team and company as a whole, I have assisted in creating troubleshooting manuals to help new employees, night shift staff and other personnel to help reduce downtime during changeovers.’
Jonathan is also a member of the Health and Safety team and has actively contributed to reducing accidents by 50 per cent in the last twelve months. ‘My Apprenticeship has not only given me a great sense of wellbeing and security, but it has also given me the confidence to aim for the top.’
Jonathan’s employer, Mike Hyland, business improvement manager, says that it is a combination of structured training, and Jonathan’s personal commitment, that has enabled Jonathan to reach this far, demonstrated by him being crowned Employee of the Month in July 2006. ‘He is a role model to younger employees in other departments.’
Donna Coleman, scheme co-ordinator at North Lancs Training Group says: ‘Jonathan is a prime example of what one can achieve through an Apprenticeship. With the right guidance and a lot of hard work, individuals can succeed in their chosen sector. We are so proud of Jonathan – he has already won our award for the Best Overall Apprentice.’
Jonathan Pearson is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category in the national Apprenticeship Awards 2007.
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