Upon completing a college course, I applied for a job at Walkers in 2015 as maternity cover but was quickly told I’d be kept on once the person returned from their maternity leave.

I got to see that there are many different departments and areas all working together to try make the best product they can. Before working at Walkers, I thought it was just a place where you work on a factory line and pack shortbread all day but there are many more opportunities that can be explored where your knowledge can be widened.

After 6 years, I was approached by my current department and saw this as an opportunity to expand my knowledge even further with a new challenge. I currently work and deal with suppliers on a daily basis, making sure they have all the correct legislation in place to ensure Walker’s can continue to sell their products to the many customers they currently sell their products to. The people I work with are very knowledgeable and are always willing to take the time to explain any questions I have. It is unusual that 2 days are exactly the same; plus, there are chances to taste the shortbread!

James

Trainee Packaging Technologist

Charlie started at Walker’s as a Seasonal Packing Operative in one of our Aberlour factories where his work ethic was recognised by the Factory Manager. Charlie was kept on at the end of the season and given the opportunity of work experience in our Maintenance and Engineers department. Charlie found what he wanted to do and has never looked back. Charlie has recently completed his Modern Apprenticeship with sights on gaining a HNC in Engineering Systems

Charlie

Engineering Apprentice

I started at Walker’s when I left school at 17. I knew I did not want to go to University and when I saw the notice on the school board I applied to be an apprentice electrician in the Engineering Department. My apprenticeship consisted of maintaining all machinery while being responsible to fix breakdowns on production lines. During my second year, I was awarded the Scottish Silver Medal for best 2nd year apprentice in Scotland. 

Graham

Electrical Apprentice

I was a seasonal operative for 3 seasons at Walker’s in 2015 until I was promoted as a Trainer in one of the factories in 2017.

As it was a different factory to what I started in, I spent a few months learning all the jobs to prepare me for training new starts. I was keen to keep learning and during covid I was told there was a job going in the Health and Safety department so I applied, had my interview and was successful!

In my new role I have successfully obtained Health and Safety qualifications and I look forward to working towards more qualifications in the future.

Megan

Health and Safety Officer

I started with Walkers Shortbread as a seasonal packing operative in 2007, leaving to complete a Highers course at Moray College. I returned the following year and in 2009 I was employed full-time as part of the in house training team – responsible for welcoming our annual seasonal intake of employees, delivering operational training and conveying policies and procedures within one factory.
After 4 years, I joined the Compliance team with the responsibility of improving compliance across 4 factories and 2 warehouses to our quality and food safety systems.

As of 2015, I was offered the opportunity to train towards a Factory Managers position in conjunction with my role within the compliance team. This has expanded my responsibilities across both our production sites situated in Aberlour and Elgin. Currently this role allows me to train with and relieve some of our existing factory managers allowing me flexibility across several departments. Throughout my continual progression at Walkers I have received training courses facilitated internally as well as externally in the following areas: REHIS Elementary food hygiene, Intermediate HACCP and stepping up to management.

I have been fortunate to receive so many new opportunities and challenges from carrying out the various tasks my role entails and look forward to new and exciting ventures in the future

Richard

Factory Manager

When I was at school my dream job was to be a Paramedic, but I failed the exams that were required. I then made the decision to go Moray College and I got an unconditional offer to do NC Administration and Information Skills. After I finished my year at college, I got offered a 3 month maternity cover role in an Accident Repair Centre as an Office Junior/Receptionist, this allowed me to learn new skills in a busy office environment.

Fast forward 5 years later, I then applied for a Canteen Assistant position at Walker’s in November 2021 and I got offered the position.

A few months on a 6 month secondment role came up in the HR Department as a Project Assistant, so I applied and was successful. Being in the HR Department for a couple of months I was offered a permanent position as an HR Administrator, and I happily accepted it and wouldn’t look back. Since then I have progressed into an HR Coordinator and my role has changed a lot, from managing our company drivers to supporting our inductions to being able to do internal canteen audits in the near future. I have so much pride in what I do and, in meeting so many new people from the induction who are joining our wonderful company. I am now working on building my experience and confidence within my new role. 

Jodie

HR Coordinator