Case Studies
Meet the Apprentice: Chris Essam’s Food Technologist Journey at Allied Bakeries
Proofing the Future with a Fresh Batch of Skills:
Chris Essam’s Food Technologist Apprenticeship Journey at Allied Bakeries
When Christopher Essam achieved a Distinction in his Food Industry Technologist Level 3 apprenticeship, it marked more than personal success. It showcased how targeted skills development can drive innovation, leadership, and business improvement in one of the UK’s most vital industries.
His journey from Hygiene Manager to Production Manager at Allied Bakeries exemplifies the transformative impact of investing in people, and how programmes delivered by CQM Training & Consultancy Ltd (CQM T&C) are helping future-proof the food manufacturing workforce.
About Allied Bakeries
Part of Associated British Foods plc, Allied Bakeries is a leading producer of bakery goods supplying major UK retailers with household brands such as Kingsmill, Allinson’s and Sunblest. With manufacturing sites across the country, including Stevenage and Walthamstow where Chris is working across, Allied Bakeries plays a critical role in keeping supermarket shelves stocked with fresh, high-quality bread and bakery products every day.
Chris’s Journey: Building Confidence and Capability
Chris began the apprenticeship while working as Hygiene Manager at the Stevenage site, having previously held frontline manufacturing managerial roles. Eager to deepen his understanding of technical processes, microbiology, and the broader mechanics of food quality and safety, he enrolled on the Food Industry Technologist Level 3 programme with CQM T&C through his employer.
“The programme helped me grow not only in knowledge, but in confidence,” Chris reflects. “It gave me the belief and the skills to put myself forward for new challenges – and ultimately a new role.”
“This Food Industry Technologist course gives you a brilliant foundation.
It gives you the confidence to challenge, to grow, and to think differently. Whether you’re in quality, manufacturing, or NPD, it opens doors.
And when your employer like Allied Bakeries supports you and partners with experts like CQM T&C who understands the food industry and how to coach people through meaningful projects, the results speak for themselves – it’s a no brainer“
Since completing the apprenticeship in June 2025 with the highest possible marks for his project and professional discussion, Chris has been promoted to Production Manager at the Walthamstow site to cover maternity. His current role spans operations, quality control, team leadership and cross-functional collaboration with technical, engineering, CI and central NPD teams.
Innovation in Action: Chemical-Free Cleaning Project
As part of his apprenticeship, Chris delivered a work-based project that directly tackled a significant challenge in bakery hygiene: the reliance on chemical-based cleaning solutions. Traditional cleaning schedules left potential residues, posing environmental, health, and food safety risks.
Chris scoped and led a project to trial OZOKLENZ ECO 1, a chemical-free, ozone-based cleaning unit. After running tests over six months across multiple production lines – including dough conveyors, cold bread areas and mixers the results were clear:
- Mould complaints dropped two thirds from 31 to just 9 per year
- Cleaning standards were maintained or improved on those lines
- The product had no adverse effect on quality of produce, and could be used to clean more than just lines and equipment
- Health, safety, and environmental performance improved
- Chemical use, costs, and contact risks for staff were reduced
“The unit returned great results and is easier to manage. It’s safer, greener, and scalable across other areas of the plant,” Chris explained. His recommendations are now being reviewed for wider implementation, with a current trial currently taking place at one of the London sites.
Business Benefits: Skills That Stick
Allied Bakeries’ support was pivotal in Chris’s development, with key leaders across the site providing time, encouragement, and guidance throughout. Chris was eager to share some of the key influences on his accomplishments including – Eve Vaskevic (Site Technical Manager), Mariola Grezbielec (Hygiene Team Leader), and Lukasz Kapciuch (Manufacturing Manager).
For the business, the return on investment is more than project savings. Chris’s growth represents the kind of leadership pipeline every food manufacturer needs – skilled, curious, and empowered.
“By investing in programmes like this, we create opportunities for people to flourish. It builds capability, trust and loyalty – people feel invested in and are more likely to stay, lead change, and think holistically about the business” Chris said.
CQM’s Role: Real-World Delivery, Real Results
Chris credits his success also to the quality of programme delivery from CQM T&C. Led by experienced development coach Paulina Dominiak, the course combined technical rigour with practical relevance, using real-world case studies and responsive support.
“Paulina brought the course to life and was always there when I needed help,” Chris said. “The workshops at Harper Adams University were fantastic – using professional lab equipment for microbiology and the sensory analysis booths gave us experience you just can’t get elsewhere. Plus, being part of a cohort from different companies gave me new perspectives and a strong network, it was great to meet everyone in person and further build relationships.”
Conclusion: Skills for Today, Leaders for Tomorrow
As the food industry continues to face well-documented skills shortages, increased costs to production and a strong focus on ESG, Allied Bakeries’ experience shows how high-quality training and apprenticeship programmes, delivered in partnership with expert providers like CQM T&C, can deliver measurable improvements for individuals, teams, and the organisation.
Chris’s story is more than a case study – it’s a celebration of what’s possible when capability meets opportunity, as he continues to flourish following the programme in his new role and under the guidance of an experienced mentor he has since identified within Allied Bakeries.
“Huge congratulations to Chris on a well-deserved Distinction and his well-earned job promotion as well as to Allied Bakeries who have shown themselves as an incredible employer who clearly supports its people to develop. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the wider group on these Food Technologist apprenticeships and other training programmes”
Cameron Hobson, Group Marketing Manager – CQM Training & Consultancy
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