Trailblazing Apprentice from Müller Completes Programme Early and Sets National Benchmark

Leo Arkelaos, a rising star at Müller Milk & Ingredients, has shattered expectations by completing his Food & Drink Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship nearly a year ahead of schedule—and becoming the first apprentice in the UK to complete the End Point Assessment (EPA) on the new version of the standard.

This landmark achievement is more than a personal milestone—it’s a signal to the industry that the next generation of engineering leadership is already here.

Keith Bailey, Delivery Manager, from Leo’s training provider, North West Training Council (NWTC), commented on Leo’s performance on programme

“Leo has continued to work exceptionally hard during his apprenticeship to ensure he makes the most of all the opportunities that have been given to him. This can be evidenced by his exceptional grades and his rapid completion of his apprenticeship, well ahead of the rest of his class. Leo has been setting  a high benchmark throughout his apprenticeship.”

Leo’s journey has been powered by a network of support and opportunity. His training provider, North West Training Council (NWTC), delivered expert guidance throughout his apprenticeship. His employer, Müller, recognised his potential early, giving him opportunities to contribute across multiple sites, including the Butter Plant at Market Drayton, where he played a key role in Maintenance Excellence and project delivery during a major expansion.

“Leo has always been an apprentice determined to achieve his best—focused, curious, and constantly seeking new opportunities to learn,” said Islwyn Davies, Engineering Apprenticeship Programme Lead at Müller. “He performed to his usual high standards and above expectations, earning deep respect from his peers and the site leadership team. His ‘above-and-beyond’ attitude under pressure in a complex environment has been nothing short of inspiring. I have no doubt we are looking at one of the future leaders of the industry.”

Leo’s impact is already being felt. He led a water-saving initiative at Müller’s Manchester site, with a return on investment in just over a month, and prevented the waste of over half a million litres of water per year. His technical brilliance was further proven when he diagnosed and resolved a critical electrical fault which could have caused significant cost to the business—within just 30 minutes.

Beyond the numbers, Leo is a mentor, a collaborator, and a role model. He’s known for supporting fellow apprentices, sharing knowledge across shifts, and stepping up whenever the business needs him. His contributions earned him personal thanks from Müller’s COO, who was astonished to learn Leo was still an apprentice.

“We are incredibly proud of Leo for all his hard work and dedication over the past three years. In that time, he has grown into a fantastic engineer and a true role model for his peers. Leo approaches every task with enthusiasm and consistently excels in everything he takes on. I’m really looking forward to continuing our journey together as he develops his skills during his Control Systems Degree Apprenticeship. Once again, a massive well done to Leo, this recognition is thoroughly deserved” said Emma Cox, Early Careers Lead for Müller

Leo’s EPA was delivered by Occupational Awards Limited (OAL), who not only hosted an on-site EPA information session at Müller Manchester, but also rushed through his results in record time, enabling Leo to immediately register for his Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Lincoln.

OAL’s Partnership director, Lee Reddington, remarked on the partnership between Müller, NWTC and OAL:

 “OAL, NWTC, and Müller have built a strong collaborative relationship over nearly a decade, so when Zoe Christie from Müller and Keith Bailey from NWTC asked if we could deliver an EPA information session for their apprentices, we were more than happy to support. Later, when Keith and Islwyn reached out to request a fast-tracked result for Leo so he could immediately begin his degree apprenticeship, our Quality team didn’t hesitate. They pulled out all the stops to make it happen. It’s a great example of what can be achieved when providers, employers, and awarding organisations work in true partnership to put learners first.”

Following the completion of his Food and Drink Maintenance Apprenticeship and enrolment on his degree apprenticeship, Leo was subsequently name the Food and Drink Apprentice of the Year at the OAL Awards 2025, at the prestigious event, hosted at York Races. Leo beat off stiff competition from ten other finalists, who represented organisations such as Arla, Lyons Seafoods, Cranswick, Pladis, Coca-Cola, Mars, Nestle and AB World Foods, across a wide range of food and drink apprenticeships including; Dairy Technologists, Food Technologists, Food and Drink Engineers, Technical Operators and the Supply Chain.

“Winning the Food and Drink Apprentice of the Year Award is a huge honour. I’d like to thank my mentors, the site team, and the college team for their support and for giving me the opportunities and platform to grow. This award motivates me even more to keep learning, innovating, and contributing to a business that has already given so much back to me. I’m really looking forward to challenging myself next year as I move on to my Level 6 Control Systems Apprenticeship.” Leo Arkelaos, Engineering Degree Apprentice and OAL Food and Drink Apprentice of the Year, Müller.

Leo Arkelaos isn’t just completing an apprenticeship—he’s redefining what it means to be an apprentice in today’s food and drink engineering sector. With his degree apprenticeship now underway, the industry should take note: the future is already in motion.