Sophie Caffrey

SOPHIE Caffrey is making the most of a new apprenticeship in west Cumbria on her pathway to becoming a team manager.

Sophie, 24, is a quality process engineer with Amcor Flexibles Cumbria, studying the Level 4 Quality Practitioner Standard Apprenticeship at Lakes College at Lillyhall.

Sophie was already familiar with the college, having previously completed a HND in Business Management which included experience of quality, before working for an engineering firm.

Now based in a laboratory, Sophie is in a hands-on role involving quality inspection of products.

Sophie’s apprenticeship involves learning the theory behind quality along with useful tools to be able to pass an end-point assignment.

She said: “I do not see myself leaving the quality world as I thoroughly enjoy it, but I aspire to one day manage my own team and report to the senior team.”

A typical day for Sophie involves generating certificates and logging complaints before attending production meetings, then onto Right First Time and Root Cause investigations with the view of complaint reduction.

Sophie said the college had acted as a ‘handrail’, guiding her on her path to where she wants to be in her career.

She hopes the course will help her to progress in her career and undertake further specific training.

And what advice does Sophie have for anyone considering the Level 4 Quality Practitioner Standard Apprenticeship?

She said: “Do it. I would recommend understanding quality, its techniques and functions, but this is not crucial if you apply yourself and are willing to learn.”