International food company Kepak is continuing to drive workforce progression and combat industry skills gaps at its flagship Welsh facility by anchoring its growth strategy in work-based training.

Developed in tandem with Cambrian Training Company, Kepak’s comprehensive apprenticeship programme has established its Merthyr Tydfil meat processing plant and abattoir as the internal blueprint for talent development across the company’s 14 manufacturing sites in the UK and Ireland.

The site — which comprises two abattoirs, beef and lamb boning halls, and a massive retail and distribution operation — relies on tailored training pathways to cultivate its workforce from the ground up. Since 2020, a total of 73 employees have successfully completed their qualifications through Cambrian Training Company, with 47 personnel currently working toward their credentials and 13 finishing within the last six months alone.

Building an internal talent pipeline

The apprenticeship frameworks at Merthyr Tydfil span from Level 2 up to Level 4, targeting specialised operational and administrative fields. Structured training pathways are currently offered in:

• Core Technical Trades: Butchery, Meat Processing, and Technical Operations
• Operational Leadership: Food Industry Team Leading, Technical Management, and Food Manufacturing Excellence.
• Business Support: Management, Team Leading, and Business Administration.

This multi-level approach provides clear upward mobility for entry-level staff, directly fuelling Kepak’s internal succession planning. A prime example of this upward trajectory is Marcin Andrzejewski, who originally joined the company in 2007 as an agency packer. Today, Andrzejewski serves as the facility’s lamb boning manager and is actively working toward a higher-level Apprenticeship in Management.

“Apprenticeships are incredibly important to Kepak because they help us invest in the future of our people and our business,” explained Jenna Hardie, Kepak’s HR manager at Merthyr Tydfil. “Through apprenticeships, we’ve seen improvements in employee retention, skills development and internal progression, with apprentices often moving into more senior or specialised roles within the business.”

Hardie further noted that the initiatives have “helped strengthen productivity and engagement by developing employees who are highly trained and invested in the company’s success,” while simultaneously cutting external recruitment costs.

A dedicated partnership

The success of the program highlights the value of a collaborative relationship between a major regional employer and a dedicated training provider. Hardie highly praised Cambrian Training Company’s customised approach, stating that its “hands-on support, strong communication and genuine commitment to both the learner and the employer” set them apart. “They take the time to understand our business needs and ensure the apprenticeship programmes deliver real value for everyone involved,” she added.

Mark Hughes, Cambrian Training Company’s operations manager, mirrored this sentiment following a recent biannual apprenticeship graduation ceremony held at the Royal Welsh Showground.

“Kepak’s commitment to apprenticeships is exceptional and the results speak for themselves,” Hughes stated. “Their investment in developing people at every level has created a highly skilled, motivated workforce that continues to grow with the business. We are proud to work in partnership with a team that truly values learning and progression.”

Looking forward, Kepak intends to expand these learning opportunities as a core element of its broader “Kepak Kickstart” early careers programme, ensuring the local workforce is fully equipped to meet the demands of a modern, innovative food industry.