Highbridge-based Bakkavor Desserts (formerly Isleport Foods) recently partnered with Bridgwater College and Job Centre Plus to launch a four-week pre-employment programme to help job seekers improve their skills.

As well as basic food hygiene and health and safety qualifications, candidates were offered help with CV writing and interview skills and given two weeks’ work experience with the company. At the end of the course, all those who completed successfully were offered a job interview.

As part of their growth plans Bakkavor are currently looking to recruit over 50 new employees. Site HR Manager Sue Cox explains,

“We designed this programme in partnership with Bridgwater College to meet a specific business need. It is designed to support local people, particularly those who have been out of work for some time, or who have not worked in the food and drink sector before. The skills and experience they gain help them to become work-ready, and by completing two weeks’ work experience they gain a real insight into our business, which ultimately makes them stronger when they come to the final interview. We’re really pleased with the outcome and as a result have been able to offer two permanent and two temporary contracts.”

Due to the success of the programme, Bakkavor Desserts is working with Bridgwater College and Job Centre Plus to run another programme early next year to support their recruitment plans. If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact your Job Centre Plus adviser or the Bridgwater College Business Development team on 01278 655111.

For more information about the current vacancies at Bakkavor Desserts please contact is.recruitment@bakkavor.com or visit www.bakkavor.com.