Eva Szabo at Avara Foods’ Holly Bank site in Scropton, Derbyshire has been named Poultry Apprentice of the Year at the Institute of Meat and The Worshipful Company of Butchers Awards 2019. This year’s awards were presented by HRH The Princess Royal and are a celebration of achievement for outstanding learners, apprentices or providers in the meat industry.
Originally from Hungary, Eva joined Avara Foods’ Holly Bank site in 2011. Taking advantage of the company’s learning and development opportunities, she joined the apprenticeship programme two years ago. A highly-valued employee Eva’s role has been varied and progressive; she has enjoyed seasonal promotions to Process Leader during the company’s busy Christmas period helping manage temporary workers and has learnt many new technical skills.
She has found her work at Holly Bank rewarding, learning about food safety, health and safety in the work place, modern meat production and developing her understanding of best butchery practice.
“I was so surprised to have been named Poultry Apprentice of the Year - it’s such an honour,” commented Eva Szabo, Food Operative at Avara Foods, Holly Bank. “The company Apprenticeship Programme has improved my overall self-confidence, as well as allowing me to develop practical skills. It’s increased my understanding of the wider poultry industry and given me the opportunity to progress professionally; I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me achieve this award, I couldn’t have done it without their support.”
“I was thrilled when I heard Eva had been named as Poultry Apprentice of the Year,” commented Philip Urech, Butchery & Training Section Manager at Avara Foods, Holly Bank. “She always showed such dedication and determination to succeed - she truly is an example to others at Avara Foods, and the wider industry. It’s been a pleasure helping her learn our trade and watching her skills develop and confidence grow over the past two years. I look forward to watching her progress further with our company.”
“We’re very proud of the Avara Foods Apprenticeship Programme,” stated Andrew Brodie, People & Communications Director at Avara Foods. “Our apprentices follow a structured path of learning and development and the scope of their role grows with them. Eva’s success is a real testament to our ethos of investment in our people - we believe in nurturing talent and supporting our employees to achieve the very best they can. This award is timely as it has been made shortly before the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2019, and we’re looking to invite more motivated people like Eva to join us and begin their apprenticeship journey with Avara Foods.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Avara Foods Apprenticeship programme at the Holly Bank site, or at any other locations, should contact careers@avarafoods.co.uk