MM Packaging Deeside has hailed the impact of its continued investment in apprenticeships.
The cartonboard specialist has taken on eight apprentices over the past year and it is now on the lookout for nine more for its printing, cutting and finishing departments. Supported by the BPIF, the company offers a three-year apprenticeship in manufacturing. It is an NVQ qualification up to Level Three and incorporates first aid, fire marshalling and IOSH Managing Safely training.
Dave Whitworth, operations director at MM Packaging, said, “There are some great opportunities for fresh, talented people within our business. We’re looking for anyone who wants to be in a trade that will flourish over the coming years. The growth in fibre-based packaging is only going up and we need individuals with common-sense and a great work ethic.
“Candidates don’t just stay in their lane; they can develop a wide range of skills. For example, apprentices can discover if they have a flair for sales and business development. And they will get to learn about other aspects of the supply chain. Our partners, such as material or equipment suppliers, offer a wider picture of manufacturing with visits to their sites and facilities.”
MM Packaging added that its apprenticeship programme is blossoming during a ‘crunch’ time for the industry.
Dave Whitworth said, “In every part of the packaging supply chain, there are issues with recruitment and skills. This industry can offer so much to talented people. It can provide them with valuable career and life skills.
“I feel strongly that manufacturing should be more visible in schools and colleges. So many of us arrived in the packaging sector by accident. We need that to change and through offering a varied and interesting programme to apprenticeships, we are doing our part to build skills in our industry.”
Julian Freeman, MM Packaging Deeside MD, added, “Our apprenticeship programme helps future-proof our business. Offering bright and resourceful talent a compelling future only strengthens our business. The opportunities we offer at MM Packaging means that we can retain these apprentices who can forge long and successful careers.
“We’re grateful to the BPIF for providing a strong base for our apprentices and will continue to work with them to provide fantastic opportunities at MM Packaging and play their part in an innovative and fast-moving industry.”
