Food ingredients company EDME are adding to their team, and continuing with their tradition of supporting young people through apprenticeship programmes.

16 year old Phoebe Archer has been appointed as their new finance apprentice, joining the team this  July, straight out of her GCSE’s.

“I wanted to pursue a work-based apprenticeship after leaving school – and was particularly interested in healthy foods,” says Phoebe, “so working with EDME was a gift. It’s started out great, and I only expect it to get better as I learn the systems and become more useful.”

Scott Pattinson, financial and commercial controller at EDME, says the appointment is part of a larger trend within the company. “We are committed to development of team members, and recruit not just for talent, but also for attitude. Phoebe is numerate, enthusiastic and keen to learn – and joins a team where everyone has recently been promoted. 

“It’s obviously important that everyone in the finance team is incredibly attentive to detail, and that’s something new recruits soon learn. Of course, apprentices often need a lot of support in their development, and it is true that this can be time-consuming for colleagues, particularly in a small department. But experience suggests it’s worth it. It’s win-win all round.”

Alongside her work at EDME, Phoebe will be studying in Chelmsford one day a week to work towards AAT Accountancy in Finance.

“I’m enjoying working within an office environment, learning new skills, and meeting new people. I’m passionate about healthy eating and fitness, and it’s exciting to be working for a company that supplies healthy, wholegrain ingredients.”