Minister's Seal of Approval
Employment Minister Esther McVey took time on her recent visit to the region to meet with two talented young people who have just completed Butchery apprenticeships with chilled food solutions company Tulip at its site in Dukinfield.
Liam Crossley and Chris Tomlinson joined Tulip as part the company's ‘Talent for the New Generation' programme and have spent over a year learning the traditional art of butchery and, having now achieved their NVQ Level 2 qualification, have been rewarded with full time carers with Tulip.
Kirsty Wilkins, Tulip's Group HR Director explains; "I am delighted that Esther McVey took time out of her busy schedule to recognise the hard work that Liam and Chris have put in to completing their apprenticeships and look forward to welcoming many more young people to a career in the food industry.
"Tulip currently employs over 8,000 people in the UK and is committed to offering young people a wide range of apprenticeship and training opportunities across our 17 operating locations."
Commenting on the visit Minister for Employment Esther McVey said: "All young people should hold onto their dreams of what they want to become - but the way to get there is by firstly getting your foot in the door so you can then work your way up, and apprenticeships are a great way of doing just that.
"Working together with business to create jobs and support young people get into work are central to our long-term economic plan to build a stronger, more secure economy."
Now Tulip, the UK's leading food solutions business, is set to offer a further 14 youngsters aged between 16 and 24 the opportunity to enrol in the company's butchery apprenticeship programme at a three day event held next week in partnership with Tameside College.
Chris Matthews of Tameside College's Business Development Team, said: "Tameside has worked closely with Tulip Ltd to develop links with Job Centre Plus and local young people, with a view to identifying suitable apprentices in butchery. Those selected will be offered three days of training within the College to prepare them for an interview for the apprentice vacancies at Tulip Ltd."
Tulip's ‘Talent for the New Generation' programme provides opportunities for young people at every educational level through partnerships with schools, colleges, universities and the wider community to have their talents recognised and wherever possible utilised.
ENDS - with pic (Caption L-R) Tulip's HR Business Partner Ian Jewkes, Operations Director Phil Major, Vivian Robinson from Job Centre Plus, apprentice Chris Tomlinson, Esther McVey, Liam Crossley, Maxine Roberts and Chris Matthews from Tameside College, and Tulip's Factory Manager David Nicholas.
Notes to Editors:
Tulip Ltd is the UK's leading food solutions business, supplying all major food retailers, wholesalers and foodservice companies with a wide range of quality products.
The company operates from 17 sites across the UK and employs more than 8,000 people.
Tulip Ltd is owned by The Danish Crown group, which is the largest pork producer in Europe and the biggest exporter of pork in the world.
For interview opportunities with Kirsty Wilkins, Group HR Director at Tulip Ltd, please contact Nick Purnell on details below.
For further information, please contact:
Nick Purnell, Communications Manager
Tel: 01926 475680/07880 055708
Email:Nick.Purnell@tulipltd.co.uk