We're a global leader in premium drinks, one of the most dynamic consumer categories.
Tell us about your career journey before joining us?
Before joining, I worked as a food producer for a small, family‑run business. I really enjoyed the work, but I couldn’t see any natural progression there - there wasn’t really anywhere for me to go or grow my career.
Diageo was always in the back of my mind as somewhere I’d love to work. Where I live, there aren’t many opportunities to come in and properly build a long‑term career, especially with a well‑known company, so Diageo really stood out.
What attracted you to our apprenticeship programme?
I’d heard a lot about the apprenticeship programmes here and that Diageo was a good place to work locally. The idea that it allowed you to come in, learn, and build a career from the ground up really appealed to me.
The Operator Apprenticeship focuses on understanding how the site works - getting trained and signed off on the machines, learning how the lines run, and understanding the responsibilities that come with that. It’s a really solid foundation.
Was there a key moment during your apprenticeship that shaped your next step?
During my apprenticeship, I was selected to be a super user on my line for a new digital platform that was being rolled out across site. I became the go‑to person if anyone was struggling with it or needed extra training - and I absolutely loved that part of the role.
Before that, I wouldn’t have described myself as a particularly digital person. I’d never had a role outside of Diageo that was heavily digital or office‑based. But once I started using the platform to support tasks on site and help turn ideas into things that were actually implemented on the lines, it was really cool to see the impact.
That experience completely changed how I saw myself and what I thought I was capable of.
How did your role evolve after the apprenticeship?
After completing the apprenticeship, I moved into a full‑time operator role. Not long after that, I had the opportunity to move into the Digital Manufacturing team, which has been a massive step in my career.
There’s still so much to learn, but it feels like I’m building something now - and that’s really exciting.
How has working here helped build your confidence?
I don’t want to sound big‑headed, but people have often said I’m a confident speaker - and that’s something I never would have thought about myself before working here.
Throughout the apprenticeship, my line manager was always encouraging us to step up, speak in meetings, and share our views - even if we felt something wasn’t quite right. That kind of encouragement makes a huge difference.
Overall, I feel like a much more confident person than I was a couple of years ago, both at work and outside of it.
Do you feel comfortable being yourself at work?
Definitely. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t be myself in any of the roles I’ve done here.
Everyone I’ve worked with is proud of what they’re creating, and there’s a really good atmosphere in my team. People help each other, encourage each other, and come together to talk through new ideas. There’s a real sense of collaboration.
That atmosphere exists on the lines too - everyone wants to do a good job, and you really feel that.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
Seeing ideas turn into something real. Being able to support people on site, improve how things are done, and actually see the impact of digital tools across the lines is really rewarding.
This role has opened up a whole new side of my career that I didn’t even realise was an option for me - and it’s made me excited about what’s still to come.
Inspired?
From career changers to apprentices, from production line to corporate roles, discover what's next.