PPMA BEST funding helps develop next generation of engineers

Luke Mealing

PREMIER Labellers have taken on a new apprentice with the help of funding from PPMA BEST.

Companies can apply to PPMA BEST on behalf of apprentices to access financial support – a process more manufacturing organisations are said to be turning to.

Luke Mealing, a Harwich local, will receive on-the-job training along with study time and a salary to help him achieve industry recognised qualifications.

Tracie White, PPMA director and CEO of Premier Labellers, explained, “As a business apprenticeships are key to fitting in with our ethos of developing people; they can gain practical experience in a real role with genuine responsibility. Learning from inspiring industry experts and gain true life skills that will stay with them forever.

“Luke has passion which is one of the most important qualities that I look for in an employee, having the enthusiasm to continue to learn throughout the training is a recipe for success in any industry.”

Before starting at Premier Labellers, Luke had an interest in fixing things and working with his hands. He said, “I have always enjoyed the idea of taking things apart and finding out how they work or trying to fix stuff, something I learnt from my dad who has been an engineer for over 30 years. From a young age I had fixed a broken radio and VHS deck, and seeing something you have spent many hours on fixing finally coming back to life gave me a feeling of excitement like no other.”

Premier Labellers has been a PPMA member for over 20 years and assisted Luke in applying for the apprenticeship grant. Luke added, “I’d also like to say thank you to PPMA BEST for the grant as I have been able to buy some very nice tools that will help me in my job.”