A meat processing company is looking for people to fill 20 new job vacancies at its abattoir near Llanidloes.

Randall Parker Foods is seeking new recruits to train for a variety of posts, ranging from the slaughterline and butchers to quality assurance supervisor.

The Dolwen manufacturing facility - which processes up to 20,000 lambs a week - has a workforce of 120, with many starting out as apprentices.

“The more skills our staff learn, the more they earn,” explained Vicki Jones, Randall Parker Foods’ human resources manager. “We have always grown our own staff, as we want to invest in local people to give them a career for life and skills that are transferable across the world.

“We provide everything for new recruits, so all they have to do is turn up and learn with us. The career prospects are good as we provide plenty of opportunities for our staff to progress within the business."

The County Times: Pilgrim's UK has acquired Randall Parker Foods including the lamb processing site at Dolwen near Llanidloes.workforce has many former apprentices such as production line manager Huw Owen who has progressed through the business.

 

The 34-year-old joined the company in 2009 as a lairage labourer but has developed through the ranks having achieved a Foundation Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills and a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Food Manufacturing Excellence.

“I began an apprenticeship because I wanted to progress within the business and earn more money,” said Huw, a father of three who lives in Llangurig. “I now manage the slaughter line and the cutting room, having also learnt butchery skills. I enjoyed doing the apprenticeships because it encouraged me to learn new skills which are transferable.

“There are financial benefits attached to apprenticeships for anyone who wants to progress and benchmark their skills at Randall Parker Foods. It’s hard work but very rewarding when you get to where you want to be.”

Apprenticeships at Randall Parker Foods, which processes lamb for retail, wholesale and international markets, are delivered by pan Wales training provider Cambrian Training Company, which is based in Welshpool.

Chris Jones, head of Cambrian Training Company’s food and drink business unit, said the company has been delivering apprenticeships at Randall Parker Foods for a decade.

“The company is a great local employer who pay their employees well, support them to develop their skills and provide opportunities for career progression within the business,” he said.

READ MORE

In November, Randall Parker Foods bought by one of the UK’s largest meat processors Pilgrim’s UK it looked to capitalise on the popularity of British lamb with export customers.

Anyone interested in the vacancies is asked to contact Vicki Jones, Randall Parker Foods’ human resources manager, by email at hrwales@randallparkerfoods.com or Tel: 01686 412114.

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.