A chicken abattoir in North Wales that supplies KFC, Nando’s and major supermarkets is looking to take on 60 new apprentices.

2 Sisters Food Group’s UK Poultry site in Sandycroft, in collaboration with Coleg Cambria, have announced a commitment to boost employment and skills in the Flintshire region by offering apprenticeships to up to 60 people over the next 12 months.

The firm is now recruiting for an initial cohort of 20 new apprentices to join and start their careers – starting on a standard weekly wage of £355 – plus the potential to earn £393 per week after just 12 weeks as well as getting staff benefits.

They would join a new Butchery Academy Apprenticeship programme with Coleg Cambria with educational support over a 15 month period as they gain their qualification.

Amy Wilkinson, HR manager, said: “We are making a commitment to providing learning opportunities and long-term employment to as many Flintshire residents as possible, playing our part in boosting employment and skills in the region.

“The Sandycroft site has provided steady employment in the community for over 40 years and we are now looking ahead to create a skilled and sustainable workforce of the future.

“A key part of our commitment is to provide ongoing employment to all at the end of the learning period. This will help us to develop competent, skilled and sustainable teams.”

Kate Muddiman, work-based learning manager at Coleg Cambria, has worked closely with the 2 Sisters Sandycroft Learning & Development team in developing the programme.

Kate said: “Coleg Cambria is proud to be working in association with a company so committed to investing in the future workforce in the area.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to enter the job market or have a complete career change as they are open to all ages over 16 and will give people the opportunity to learn new skills while earning.

“This is a fantastic Academy programme.”

The site has been in operation since 1978, employs over 1,200 colleagues, and currently processes over 1 million birds every week, supplying UK supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets.

Matt Edwards, food manufacturing assessor at Coleg Cambria, currently facilitates a smaller learning programme at Sandycroft and visits the site regularly to assess and support apprentices. This smaller programme has been running for the last 12 months and its success has been key to the commitment to this large-scale programme.

Matt said: “It has been a pleasure working with staff at 2 Sisters during the past year. Despite the difficulties of 2020, 2 Sisters have supported colleagues to continue to develop their skills and progress with their qualifications.

“I am very much looking forward to this new Butchery Academy Apprenticeship programme to support even more people in developing their skills and understanding in the butchery sector.”

The call for applications is now open and anyone aged 18 or over can apply.