As party of the DYW Key Worker Campaign (#DYWKeyWorkers) we are catching up with some of our local key workers. We are doing a series of Q&A sessions to find out what it’s like to be a Key Worker to encourage more young people to consider these careers. Today we caught up with Emma Sprott who is an Accounts Assistant with Food Manufacturing company, Danwfresh.

What attracted you to the Food & Drink industry?

I didn’t know much about the Food and Drink industry until I started working at Dawnfresh. Now I love it, it is so fast paced, and no two days are the same. I have learnt so much in the last year and a half, I am progressing faster than I imagined.

What does a normal day look like?

Banking and reconciliation, making sure all customers accounts are up to date, chasing outstanding debts, resolve customer account queries, process debit notes received, process purchase and sales invoices, customer account reconciliations.I have a lot of responsibility for my age and position, it is great to be a trusted member of the team.

What kind of training have you done?

I have completed my level 2 food safety. I am also developing my meta-skills through time management, and coaching courses.

What skills have you learned?

Since joining Dawnfresh, I would say my communication skills have improved, I used to be quite shy, but now I feel confident and able to contribute to the team. Team working is something I enjoy, we have a close knit team here, and I am a vital part of that. It is important that I communication information to the team that is timely and accurate, as I deal directly with customers as well. The most important skill I have picked up, is resilience. This is my first professional role and it took a lot of effort to get up to speed, I have taken on board feedback and have seen huge improvements in my confidence and quality of work.

Do you have any professional qualifications?

Dawnfresh offered me the opportunity to work through my professional accounting qualifications, and I am currently working through ACCA-X. It is great to have company show so much faith in me, and to invest in my development.

What skills are the most important for you to do your job well?

Attention to detail is essential, as I am dealing with a lot of numbers. It is also important to be able to apply critical thinking skills, as I have to reason the information I am given and produce accurate reports for senior management.

Was there anything about the role that surprised you?

How much there is to learn, I am continually developing my skills. It is great to be part of such a large team in a dynamic industry as I am always being exposed to new areas of accounting and finance.

Anything unusual about your job?

I have a very responsible role, it is unusual for someone of my age to be so trusted. For some customers, I am the face of the company, so I have to understand not only my role, but have strong commercial awareness.

Do you get a lot of support from your employer?

Yes, Dawnfresh have a very active Learning and Development team, who are always there to support my development. Not only that, but the whole finance team are on hand to answer and questions I have.

What is your favourite part of the job?

When customer has an issue or query and I am able to it get resolved for them. I take a lot of satisfaction from doing a good job.

Did you always want to pursue a career in this industry?

No, I didn’t know a lot about the Food & Drink industry, but now I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. I am not sure any other industry would have given me the scope to develop at the pace I have.

What is your advise to young school leavers looking to start an apprenticeship?

I have learnt more on the job than I did in school, being able to combine working (and earning) with study has been fantastic. I am able to put the theory into practice on a daily basis, which make the learning stick.

What is your career goal?

Firstly I want to complete my professional qualifications, and then progress through the company to Credit Control Manager

How does it feel to be a Key Worker, supporting the countrys fights against Covid19?

This has been a difficult time for everyone, but to know that I am supporting the country, by keeping food on the shelves is very rewarding. Dawnfresh has taken measures to ensure worker safety, including home working and social distancing, so I feel I am able to do my job with minimal risk.