Cranstons Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week by Investing in Future Talent
James Wood – confirmed for second wave of our CRAFT butchery scheme, and Julian Natrass – Production Butchery Excellence Lead and a former apprentice
As National Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the value of apprenticeships across the UK, we’re proud to celebrate the important role they play here at Cranstons in developing skills, supporting career progression, and securing the future of our business.
Apprenticeships have long been part of life at Cranstons. From those taking their first steps into employment to individuals choosing a complete career change, we’re committed to giving people the opportunity to learn a trade, gain recognised qualifications, and build lasting careers with us.
Today, we offer apprenticeships across a range of areas including butchery, business administration, HR, learning and development, and finance — combining hands-on experience with structured training and nationally recognised qualifications. Across the business, our apprentices benefit from mentoring from experienced colleagues, practical on-the-job learning, and the chance to grow in confidence alongside developing technical skills.
Many of our former apprentices have progressed into permanent, senior and leadership roles. They now help train the next generation and contribute to projects across product development, efficiency, and wellbeing — proof that investing in people has a long-term impact.
In September, we strengthened our commitment to training by launching our CRAFT (Cranstons Retail and Factory Trained) Butchery Apprenticeship Scheme, a structured three-year programme designed to give apprentices a broad, well-rounded experience of the trade. We’re now recruiting for a further intake as we continue to grow talent from within.
James Wood, who is confirmed to join Phase 2 of our CRAFT Butchery Scheme, said:
“Being accepted onto Phase 2 of the CRAFT scheme is something I’m really proud of. It feels like a great opportunity to develop my skills properly, gain experience across the business, and learn from people who are genuinely invested in helping you progress in the trade.”
Julian Natrass, our Production Butchery Excellence Lead and a former apprentice himself, added:
“Investing in apprenticeships isn’t just about training or qualifications – it’s about giving people the skills, confidence and opportunities to build a career they’re proud of. Our apprentices bring energy, curiosity, and fresh perspectives to our teams, and we’re proud to support them as they grow and succeed.”
As we mark National Apprenticeship Week, we remain focused on nurturing talent, protecting traditional skills, and ensuring the expertise at the heart of Cranstons continues for generations to come.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities at Cranstons, visit:
https://cranstons.net/contact/jobs/