Graduate Q&A: Morrisons help build future of meat manufacturing sector

Hannah Johnson has always known that she wanted to be in agriculture, but she was not sure which sector. Through a Morrisons scheme, her future is now clear

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Hannah Johnson
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Hannah Johnson

Q: What have you achieved?

A: Morrisons will throw you in the deep end, in the best possible way. As soon as I started on site at Woodhead Bros I was put into a team managers position in the offal department. Managing a new team, area, product and process allowed me to adapt quickly to my surroundings and in a short period of time, making positive changes to our day-to-day activity. From there I moved into a central role at our head office, a slight change in environment, where I was able to oversee how manufacturing operated at a higher level while analysing, collating and presenting data to the senior leadership team.

See also: Karl Franklin AKA The Pretend Farmer gives his top tips to new entrants

Q: What have you learnt?

A: It is difficult to narrow my learning down to a few sentences. A manufacturing site is a fast-paced environment which can prove challenging at times. The pride we take in producing the best quality products enable our sites to push young people within the business which in turn has allowed me to develop as an individual massively.

LISTEN to the Farmers Guardian podcast: Two new entrant friends start farming business on Isle of Wight

Q: Has the scheme opened your eyes to the possibility of a career in Agriculture and would you encourage others to join the scheme?

A: From studying a BSc Hons Agriculture Degree, I have always known this was the industry for me.

However, I wasn't sure which sector. Throughout my first year with Morrisons I have had the opportunity to explore the field to fork process through our meat processing sites in addition to a central placement working for the manufacturing director. I would say for anyone already passionate about the industry or purely curious about how a retail business operates to enable food is on store shelves on a day-to-day basis, a Manufacturing Graduate Scheme or Degree apprenticeship is for you.

Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director for Morrisons Manufacturing, said: "As British farming's single largest customer, and the largest fresh food manufacturer, there are many opportunities available at every stage of the supply chain. Through our graduate and apprenticeship schemes, we hope to encourage fresh talent from all backgrounds into these important jobs within our business."

For more information on careers at Morrisons, please visit https://www.morrisons.jobs/early-careers/

Morrisons offer:

  • Apprenticeships

They offer an apprenticeship in finance, engineering and butchery.

  • Degree apprenticeships

They currently offer four degree apprenticeships in manufacturing, food technical, corporate and retail and a level four apprenticeship in finance. When you join Morrisons on a degree apprenticeship, you do not have to worry about university fees or choosing between starting your career or studying towards a degree. You can enjoy the best of both worlds on their award-winning Degree Apprenticeship Programme. They have partnered with the University of Bradford, University of Strathclyde and Sheffield Hallam University to create a unique, tailor-made programme that's designed to unlock your potential.

  • Graduate schemes

Morrisons currently offer nine different graduate schemes ranging from manufacturing and logistics to retail and finance. Morrisons see their graduates as the 'future leaders of the business' and our schemes provide graduates with the skills and experiences they need to be successful within Morrisons.

  • Industrial Placements in Manufacturing, Finance, Supply chain and Location Planning

If you are part way through your degree and want to spend a year in industry, their 12-month placements give you the chance to put your knowledge into action. Morrisons is a great place to learn on-the-job, work on projects and give your career a head start.

They recently won the prestigious Institute for Student Employers Award for Best Overall Emerging Talent Strategy 2023. This means they have been judged by a number of industry professionals to offer outstanding learning and career development at the highest level.

If you are interested in learning more about early careers opportunities within Morrisons drop an email to [email protected] who will be happy to go into depth with you about our various opportunities.

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