National Apprenticeship Week 2025

At Prima Cheese, we do not stand still.

When asked by LDC Q&A of the International Ambition Award what our company's ambition was, our Co-CEO, Nima Beni, said, ‘We know that good isn’t good enough. We must be excellent.’

This philosophy of excellence fuels our commitment to not only revolutionising our product but also empowering our people to grow and thrive. We, as an organisation, recognise that nurturing our internal operations is just as vital as achieving commercial results. Like any powerful engine, success depends on caring for the parts within.

After all, every product order is driven by the passion and dedication of our people. We must put their goals at the forefront of everything we do. This week, we are proud to celebrate that ethos.

So, what is National Apprenticeship Week?

National Apprenticeship Week is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals and the wider economy.

How does Prima Cheese facilitate apprenticeships?

Our apprenticeship standards are an essential part of how we invest in people. While we do not offer an official ‘scheme,’ we facilitate proactive ways to enhance our employee's experiences and support their educational goals.

This involves our employees gaining hands-on experience within our company while working toward formal qualifications. The combination of practical work experience and structured study equips them with valuable skills and a strong foundation for their chosen career at Prima.

Today, we asked Izak Molnar, Caitlin Bolton, and Finn Kirsten to reflect on their experiences so far.

Izak Molnar, QA, says:

‘My apprenticeship has taught me important skills and shown me what I enjoy. It’s helped me focus on my future goals, like getting better at what I do and taking on more responsibility.

I appreciate the chance to grow my career at Prima Cheese because of its focus on quality, innovation, and teamwork. The company’s commitment to excellence matches my own goals for improvement. I also value the supportive work environment that encourages personal and professional growth.’

Izak joined Prima Cheese in February 2022, he is employed as a Quality Assurance Apprentice and is studying towards his Engineering Technician Level 3 – Technical Support Technician with East Durham College, due to complete in March 2026.

Caitlin Bolton, HR, says:
‘I began my Prima Cheese journey with an apprenticeship in 2021 in the Customer Care team, which was the perfect way to start. After completing the apprenticeship and spending a few years in the department, I transitioned to HR, a field I see as a lifelong career. Now I'm pursuing another apprenticeship to upskill and gain a qualification that will enhance my knowledge and the service I provide.

Being around a supportive team motivates me to do well in my studies and encourages me to do new things in my role. It’s an exciting department to be in as no day is the same.’

Caitlin joined Prima Cheese in April 2021 and last year made a permanent move from Customer Care to the HR team. Within Caitlin's role as HR Assistant, she is currently upskilling via the apprenticeship route studying remotely towards her qualification of HR Support – Level 3, due to be completed in December 2025, with City Of Sunderland College.

Finn Kirsten, an Engineering Apprentice, says:

‘My apprenticeship has helped outline my goals through hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the industry. It has allowed me to identify what I enjoy doing and areas where I want to improve.

I value the progression at Prima Cheese. Understanding that I can grow and improve motivates me to gain more skills and open up more opportunities.’

Finn joined Prima Cheese in September 2024 after successfully gaining a great opportunity within our engineering team. Finn will spend the first year of his four-year apprenticeship studying at the City of Sunderland College working towards his Engineering Technician Level 3. 

What does this show us?

Here at Prima Cheese, being people-focused is woven into every part of our operation. Supporting and celebrating apprentices like Izak, Caitlin, and Finn demonstrates our belief that great results come from people who are supported in their journeys, helping them develop core skills that are essential not only to the company's growth but also to their individual goals and personal sense of achievement.

If you are looking for an apprenticeship vacancy, head over to our careers page to keep an eye out for future updates.