Our Billington family is growing, with multiple positions across graduate schemes and apprenticeships in the business going to young people in an effort to train and develop our future leaders.
Our newest Safety, Health and Environment Technician Apprentice is Liam, who will do block release at college, providing him with a Level 3 qualification in Safety, Health & Environment. The apprenticeship will last for 24 months, and aims to address the skills shortage being experienced by employers when recruiting in this specialist field.
What’s involved in the role?
The SHE apprentice role is partly office based and partly factory/site based, providing advice to others on how to work without harming themselves or others. Liam will work with the SHE Manager and Management Team to advise on the statutory Safety, Health & Environmental requirements as they affect the company’s operations.
He will assist them in ensuring that the legal and company SHE requirements are implemented across the site. On a daily basis the SHE apprentice will assist to develop, review and check on the implementation of safe systems of work, deliver training (such as toolbox talks & inductions), investigate incidents, analyse data and present findings to the SHE Manager and Management Team.
While on the job, Liam will engage with all aspects of Billington Foods to support the embedment of a culture that ensures everyone is able to return to their family and friends unharmed every day, whilst also protecting and enhancing the global land, air and water resources for future generations. This will be achieved by inspiring and influencing others to see the benefit of working responsibly, understanding the legal framework and showing how Safety, Health & Environmental Management can enhance operational activities.
We sat down with Liam so we could get to know him a little better:
Name: Liam Thompson
Job title: Environmental, Health and Safety Support
How long have you been with Billington Group?
This is now my 6th week with The Billington Group.
How did you hear about The Billington Group and their apprenticeship offering?
I was having a nosey on indeed and stumbled across the job advert, as they say it was a case of being in the right place at the right time.
What attracted you to the role? The thing that attracted me to the role is being able to come to work and learn something new every day, while also going to college and being able to gain the right qualifications to succeed in the role.
What have been your highlights so far?
How well I have been welcomed into the company, it’s been brilliant so far, everyone is really friendly. It’s a great working environment to come into.
What advice would you give to others looking for a role in the industry or as an apprentice?
Do not hesitate, if given the opportunity then grab it with both hands. This is the best decision I have ever made, and is the start of a great career path. Just make sure that you’re ready to learn from the get go, and be open minded to the opportunities that present themselves.
What have you’ve learnt during your time with The Group so far?
I am learning something new every day, so it’s hard to put my finger on anything specific right now, but I’m really enjoying it.
What do you want to learn more about or explore?
I want to learn more about the Billington Group as a whole, there’s so many sub brands within the Group. I am sure on my journey within the company I will get the opportunity to get to know the structure better and see how they work together.
What is your dream role long term?
That has to be Health and Safety Manager, hopefully I’ll be able to do another blog when I make it there and look back at the journey I’ve been on since writing this one!
Describe a typical day in your role:
It’s hard to describe a typical day in my role at the moment as each day varies so much, but at the minute a lot of what I do consists of gather and analysing the daily safety stats and doing a summary on any legislation that is set for me.
What’s the best part of your job?
Not being stuck in one place all day. I find it great that I can mix it up between the office and the shop floor, meeting new people from across the business along the way.
What makes the food/agriculture sector exciting to work in?
There is always something happening within the food industry on a daily basis, it’s never dull!
Can you describe the Billington Group in three words?
Innovative, bold and exciting.
Now a bit more about you….
I’m from a little town in Lancashire called Darwen, but made the move to Scunthorpe just before the first lockdown to be with my partner. I am a massive football fan, and support Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. I know what you’re all thinking, that’s a terrible standard, it’s only a two league team, but I just love going to the pub on a weekend to watch the games. A few times a year I even head up to Glasgow to watch the games in person, the atmosphere is like nothing else.
Coffee or tea?
One million percent coffee, I can’t stand tea!
Fun fact about you:
A few years ago I was on trial with the Nike academy. I played football at a very high standard, I was Semi-pro up until two years ago when I decided to hang my boots up.
Favourite meal?
I’m a big meat lover, so It has to be steak, medium rare with some nice chunky chips. Delicious!
Favourite weird food combination?
You can’t beat some ready salted crisps with coleslaw.
It’s great to have Liam on board, we look forward to watching him grow in the role! Stay tuned for more interviews with our new starters over the coming weeks, there’s lots of new faces to introduce across the business.