Learning, Growing, Thriving: The Apprentice Experience at Cranstons

 

 

At Cranstons, we’re passionate about fostering career growth through a range of apprenticeships. While our butchery apprenticeship scheme is well-known, we also offer opportunities in HR, Learning and Development, Business Administration, and Accounting. We love supporting apprentices throughout our business to build valuable skills and achieve professional qualifications, preparing them for long-term success.

We caught up with Poppy Dixon and Natasha Harvey who joined Cranstons as apprentices to learn more about their experiences, the skills they have gained, and their advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship at Cranstons.

Poppy Dixon recently completed her Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship and has since embarked on a Level 5 Learning & Development Business Partner Apprenticeship.  Poppy’s role has evolved and she now plays a key part in supporting Cranstons’ staff development and training initiatives. Poppy’s journey from HR Support to Learning & Development has been a rewarding one, and she is excited to continue growing in this new capacity.

Natasha Harvey – or Tash, as we know her – completed her Level 2 AAT Accounting Apprenticeship in the Autumn and has now progressed to Finance Assistant at Cranstons. Her apprenticeship helped her develop a strong foundation in accounting, which she applies daily in her role. Tash’s work focuses on financial support, contributing to Cranstons’ continued success.

 

1. What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship in your chosen field?

Tash (T): I wanted to advance in my field. My role is in finance, but apart from on-the-job experience, I didn’t have any formal academic knowledge. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to progress and truly understand what I was doing—and why.
Poppy (P): I was already interested in law, having completed a degree, but I didn’t want to pursue it full-time. I knew I wanted to help people and had a genuine interest in their well-being, so HR was the perfect fit.

 

2. Why did you choose Cranstons for your apprenticeship?

P: I knew Cranstons was a local business committed to developing people and careers, which aligned with what I wanted to do. It turned out to be a great experience.
T: I had already completed one apprenticeship and was eager to continue learning—this was a great opportunity.

 

3. What was the most surprising thing you learned during your apprenticeship?

T: How easily I can get stressed! I thought I was pretty laid-back, but balancing the apprenticeship with my workload was a little challenging at times. Thankfully my managers and the team were really supportive and guided me through it, helping me anywhere I needed. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
P: How much work goes into something that seems simple. For example, recruiting someone isn’t just about posting a job advert and holding interviews—there are so many more steps involved.

 

4. What challenges did you face?

P: Managing competing deadlines. My apprenticeship deadlines were incredibly important to me, but I couldn’t ignore my day-to-day work, as that had a wider impact on the team.
T: Like Poppy said, juggling multiple deadlines was tough. Now that the apprenticeship is complete, my workload is much more manageable—but some days feel empty without coursework!

 

5. Was there a moment that made you feel especially proud of your progress?

T: During a meeting, Mel Wilson, our Business Resources Director was talking about a spreadsheet, and I suddenly realized I understood everything. That was the moment I knew my apprenticeship was paying off.
P: Presenting my first employment survey to the Senior Leadership Team. I knew exactly what I was talking about and could confidently answer questions—it was a real turning point.

 

6. What skills have you developed the most?

P: Influencing and professionalism.
T: Professional conduct, confidence, and handling supplier calls. Answering the phone used to be daunting, but now I don’t even think about it—I know I can handle whatever comes up.

 

7.How has your understanding of the industry changed?

T: I used to think finance was just numbers and spreadsheets. Now, I see how much it supports and drives the business forward.
P: HR has a bad reputation—people often associate it with disciplinary actions. In reality, most of my work focuses on helping people, from benefits to staff retention. Our goal is to create a safe, happy workplace.

 

8. How would you describe the support from your mentors and colleagues?

P: Amazing. Mel (Wilson) was always the first to step in when I needed help, whether it was explaining things differently or easing my workload so I could focus. The whole team is incredibly supportive across departments.
T: Incredible. They believed in me even when I had doubts, which made a huge difference. They always made time to help with my workload and answer questions.

 

9. Who in the workplace has been your biggest role model, and why?

T: Sarah Thompson (Senior Finance). She’s strong and assertive and she’s also been an amazing mentor and friend.
P: I have two:

• Shana (Blaylock) our Senior Payroll Co-Ordinator: I’m in awe of her work—she handles payroll flawlessly in just three days, no matter what challenges arise. She’s always calm and gets it done with time to spare.
• Mel (Wilson) Her experience across industries has been invaluable. She’s always happy to share her knowledge, and I genuinely don’t think I could have done this without her support.

 

10. What’s your favourite thing about working at Cranstons?

T: The people! Everyone is so friendly and approachable—you can’t overstate how much that helps.
P: Definitely the people.

 

11. How has this apprenticeship prepared you for your career?

P: I has given me confidence and financial stability, which has allowed me to live a life I’m proud of. It also sparked my interest in Learning & Development—something I had never considered before.
T: I am ready to take on more responsibility. Before, new opportunities felt intimidating, but now I am excited for what’s next!

 

12. Where do you see yourself in five years, and how does this experience fit into your goals?

T: I try not to over plan—I prefer to appreciate the present and see where life takes me. Whatever happens, I’m excited!
P: I love to travel, and this job has made that possible. I’d like to explore more of the world while I’m young, and this apprenticeship has helped me save for that goal.

 

13. What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

T: Go for it! You can never go wrong furthering your education—especially when you’re earning at the same time.
P: Do it! Even if it’s not your long-term career, the transferable skills are invaluable. Reach out to local businesses—many already have schemes in place, or they might be open to starting one.

 

14. If you had to sum up your apprenticeship in three words, what would they be?

P: Rewarding. Intense. Interesting.
T: Rewarding. Achieving. Fun (but stressful!).

 

15. What advice would you give your younger self on day one?

T: It’s not as scary as it seems. Don’t overthink it, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
P: Ask questions and ask for help—most people are happy to support you. Networking is key, and connecting with others in the same boat is invaluable.

 

 

Just for fun…

1. If your apprenticeship were a movie, what would the title be?

T: Rollercoaster.
P: The Devil Wears Prada already sums it up!

 

2. If you could swap roles with anyone for a day, who would it be?

T: Philip—I’d love to be the boss for a day!
P: Megan & Chloe in the bakery. Baking cakes, making new flavours, early starts and finishes—what’s not to love?

 

3. If you could introduce a new product or service at Cranstons, what would it be?

T: Dessert pies—apple or berry. We need more puddings!
P: Sideline catering—weddings, shows, or even a travelling food truck.

 

4. If you could only eat one Cranstons product forever, what would it be?

T: Buttermilk Chicken, no question.
P: Salt & Pepper Chicken Steaks—they work with veg in winter and salad in summer, yum.

 

5. If your role had a superhero counterpart, what would your name and power be?

T: Spreadsheeta—superhuman mastery of spreadsheets and formulas.
P: Chief Cycler—managing the ‘Employee Work Life Cycle.’

 

6. If you were a pie, what kind would you be?

T: Sausage roll—classic and popular.
P: Spiced Potato Pie—delicious with a little kick!

 

7. Cranstons sausage or Cranstons bacon?

T: We’re famous for our sausage for a reason!
P: Both are great, but I have to go with bacon.