Name: Tia Benaim
Age: 20
Job title: Logistics apprentice
Company & location: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Uxbridge
Education: Currently undertaking a degree apprenticeship in Supply Chain Management at Aston University
Why did you decide to go for a career in food? It struck me how many opportunities were available in the food and drink industry – something I hadn’t appreciated before – and how each department and manufacturing site works together to achieve big targets. When I was in my final year of secondary school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I was attracted to the idea that through an apprenticeship, I didn’t have to pick a defined route immediately, and I could move around within a company to get a feel for each department in a sector that’s fast-moving and dynamic.
Explain your job to us in a sentence (or two): My apprenticeship is all about being exposed to as many opportunities as possible and learning from them. I move department each year, and my current role is project-based, focussing on transport operations, meaning I carry out data and trends analyses to find cost-saving opportunities for the business.
What does a typical day look like for you? Logistics is all about making sure the right amount of product arrives at the right place at the right time. My role at the moment involves working with a team to gather relevant data about our daily operations, including the volume of product that is in each shipment and where it is being delivered to. I then analyse this data in more detail to establish any trends and whether changes can be made to make operations run more smoothly. For example, if two shipments are delivering to a similar location, I will see if there is a way to combine them to save money, time and fuel. If I put forward a solution or find a way to streamline operations, I’ll report this to relevant stakeholders and we’ll discuss the best outcome as a team.
“Step out of your comfort zone and give it a go as you might be surprised!”
Tell us about how you went about applying for your job: I sent out my CV for the role at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and was offered an online interview. From there I was invited to an in-person assessment centre – this was soon after restrictions were lifted from the pandemic, so it was strange to be in person with people again. The assessment centre involved group exercises, so interviewers could see how you would handle certain situations, get to know your character and see whether you excelled in areas like teamwork and leadership. We then had individual final interviews. At this stage there were more than 300 applicants for two spaces, so it was very competitive. I was then offered the job a week later!
What’s the best part about working for a food company? Food and drink plays a big part in every household, so knowing how everyday items go from the manufacturing stage to your fridge is something I find so interesting. Because of the company I work for, I often find myself discussing CCEP brands and products, and it’s so nice to share my industry knowledge with those around me – even if it’s a bit specialist. I can pick up a bottle of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, for example, and tell you exactly when and where it was made!
And what’s the biggest misconception people have about working in food & drink? People often think there are limited opportunities in the food and drink industry, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The career paths available are brilliant, whichever company you work for, from full and part-time jobs to apprenticeships of different qualification levels. There is something for everyone, regardless of your experience. There are also a range of positions available in areas people are often unaware of, including engineering, field sales and food technology.
What advice would you give to other young people looking to get into the food & drink industry? Be open-minded, once you’re in the industry opportunities will be presented to you that you won’t get elsewhere, so step out of your comfort zone and give it a go as you might be surprised!
What’s your ultimate career dream? At the moment, I am enjoying logistics and I’m focusing on getting a full-time role at the end of my apprenticeship. Initiating and implementing new projects is so interesting and I love the creative freedom I have with it, and how it’s so different from a daily operational role. I’ve still got two years until my apprenticeship ends, so for now, I want to soak up all the opportunities that come my way within this role. The great thing about CCEP is that you are never ‘stuck’ in one job – all of my colleagues have moved around departments, and I know I can experience anything I’d like to turn my hand to trying.
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