Firstplay Dietary Foods

FirstPlay Dietary Foods, a family-run business based in Stockport, specialises in manufacturing low-protein food products for individuals on restricted diets. As part of their Executive Development Programme (now Pure Leadership) with GM Business Growth Hub, they identified a need to expand their finance department. Recognising the potential benefits of training an apprentice, they reached out to GC Education and Skills. 

Challenge

FirstPlay Dietary Foods identified they'd like to enhance their finance team with fresh talent while managing costs effectively. They were keen to recruit an individual who could bring new knowledge and skills to the company, complementing the existing expertise within their team.

What did GC Education and Skills do to support their challenges? 

GC Education and Skills provided a tailored recruitment service, helping FirstPlay Dietary Foods find Sadia, an apprentice with the right transferable skills. Sadia enrolled in the Level 2 and Level 3 Accounts apprenticeships, which offered small class sizes, personalised support, and dedicated tutors. The program already boasted a 90% success rate for the 2023/24 academic year, ensuring high-quality training and ongoing support to the apprentice whilst on the programme. 

Sadia joined FirstPlay Dietary Foods and began her apprenticeship journey. The company provided her with practical, on-the-job training, while GC Education and Skills supported her academic development. Sadia's workshops and training sessions equipped her with the latest industry knowledge, which she applied to her role in the finance department.

What was the outcome? 

Over nearly three years, Sadia successfully completed her AAT Level 2 and is on track to complete Level 3. Her contributions have been invaluable to FirstPlay Dietary Foods, bringing new insights and enhancing the company's financial operations.

Tom from FirstPlay Dietary Foods shared their experience:

“We had experience in the business to pass on, but we also wanted to bring new knowledge in. An apprentice was the perfect choice for us. Sadia brought new knowledge from her workshops, which has been incredibly helpful. We’ve received great support from the tutors, not just in accountancy but in wider aspects too. Three years on, I couldn’t be happier with Sadia’s professional and personal development. I’m very proud of her and our business culture that has enabled her to flourish.”

Benefits of the Apprenticeship Programme:

• Sadia's up-to-date skills and insights helped the business keep up with competition.
• The apprenticeship provided a budget-friendly way to expand the finance team.
• Training was tailored to meet the specific needs of FirstPlay Dietary Foods.
• The apprenticeship program promoted a culture of continuous improvement.
• Sadia's ongoing development represents a valuable long-term investment for the company.