National soft drinks manufacturer, Clearly Drinks has announced its latest apprenticeship drive as it celebrates the success of its World Class Operator apprenticeship programme at its Southwick site.
Looking to fill multiple apprenticeship roles within the growing business before the end of 2022, Sunderland-based Clearly Drinks is hoping to offer more prospective candidates in the North East the chance to join the team and launch their careers in manufacturing. Here the firm will provide internal training across various departments to create highly skilled individuals and offer apprentices on-the-job paid experience.
The programme, in partnership with Derwentside College, starts with a two-week training plan to gain an NVQ level 2 in manufacturing operations. From here, staff and students have the opportunity to go to college where they can work towards an NVQ level 3 in leadership.
Offering a chance for successful candidates to kick-start their careers and learn all the skills needed to progress through the business, Clearly Drinks offers benefits such as a cycle to work scheme, and various lifestyle initiatives to help promote wellbeing and work-life balance. Clearly Drinks also provides an employee healthcare scheme, an EAP service, discounts, and complimentary memberships in the region.
Speaking on the Clearly Drinks Engineering Apprenticeship programme, apprentice Charlie Piercy said: “The apprenticeship programme is perfect for me as I prefer learning when it’s more hands on and find I pick less up when I’m in a classroom setting. I know I need to physically do something before I’m able to learn it, so this role offers me the chance to learn in my own way, incorporating both electrical and mechanical work plus gaining a qualification from both.
“I was pleasantly surprised that from the offset I was trusted and encouraged to get stuck in working in the factory. I’m able to shadow senior members of staff while I work which helps me learn while in the role. I can’t wait to be in a position where I can support new starters exactly like others supported me and I look forward to being able to pass down my knowledge.”
Taking on various roles within the business, Tia Burrows is now progressing her apprenticeship in the supply chain. She added: “When I first started within the business, I got the chance to work in multiple departments including finance, sales, operations, and supply chain, to really understand what I enjoyed and felt passionate about. The whole workplace was extremely welcoming, and everyone is so close here at Clearly Drinks so it was great to spend time with each team.
“After my experience in each department, I was then surprised to realise that the supply chain was for me – something I had never considered for a career! I can clearly see myself working towards a more managerial supply chain role in the future and I’m receiving the support I need to make this happen.”
Now enjoying an apprenticeship in production, Thomas Walton commented: “I originally went to college to study IT and then university to study computer forensics, but I couldn’t find a job I loved in Sunderland, so I decided to take on a new challenge and try a new field which was manufacturing and drinks production.
“The team had trust in me from the start which was really encouraging and allowed me to flourish. I have since been able to train other staff members and help them progress too, all within my 18 months on the programme.
“I’m currently in the syrup room which is really rewarding as it’s allowed me to work on big national projects and get time in front of clients. I am still interested in exploring a role in IT which I know will be possible at Clearly Drinks with the support of the team.”
Potential candidates will join at an exciting time for business following five recent client wins, including Britvic and Carabao, and new brand listings in major supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsburys.
Candidates can find more information and apply for the World Class Operator apprenticeship programme at Clearly Drinks via their website or can send a CV to [email protected].
To read similar articles, check out our People & Skills channel.
