Apprentices at national soft drinks manufacturer, Clearly Drinks, are celebrating their success as they complete their NVQ Level 3 and HNC Level 4 engineering apprenticeship programme at its Southwick site.
With recent research by the NMITE and the EPC revealing that two-thirds (63%) of respondents feel that engineering should be made more visible in schools, Clearly Drinks is passionate about raising the industry profile and awareness of career choices in manufacturing and engineering amongst school leavers, including the opportunities that are available to those who wish to expand their skills in these key areas.
This is why the business has made a significant investment into its programme and aims to provide a highly engaging learning journey for its apprentices.
Speaking on completing the Clearly Drinks Engineering Apprenticeship programme, apprentice, Charlie Piercy said: “I’m very proud to have completed the Engineering Apprenticeship programme at Clearly Drinks. This programme was perfect for me as it allowed me to have hands-on learning and gain a great deal of experience outside of a traditional classroom setting.
“Since completing my apprenticeship I have noticed how much I have grown and I have become significantly more independent and confident in my skills, which is all thanks to being given responsibility and the chance to be trusted as part of a fast-paced team on the can line.
“My apprenticeship has really unlocked opportunities I didn’t know were available and has given me a path for the future. Now that I am a full-time member of the team at Clearly Drinks, I’m looking forward to continuing my learning daily to be the best that I can be, gaining even more responsibility and seeing what the future holds for me.
“I would absolutely recommend that anyone explore an apprenticeship within the manufacturing industry as an alternative to higher education as there is so much to learn and you can work on some really exciting projects all while earning a living.”
Also completing the Engineering Apprenticeship programme, Cameron Cross commented: “My apprenticeship has been invaluable in providing me with such a wide range of skills that I can now take into the workforce and beyond. I’m a big believer in more tactical and hands-on learning so an apprenticeship is such a great way to gain much more exposure to the industry than you could in a classroom.
“Working in a factory has given me the chance to work with leading technology and robotics, allowing me to really get stuck in with how they work and the direction in which the industry is going which is very exciting. I have had the chance to work on multiple big projects with great brands all while being in a learning environment where I can nurture and develop my skills. I was given a good amount of responsibility working on the can line but also enough support from the team in order to continue to achieve my goals within the business.
“I have been able to have a direct impact on the performance of the business which is really encouraging and great to see and I look forward to becoming a full-time engineer. I would highly recommend considering an apprenticeship in manufacturing even if you’re unsure of your career path as it’s such a great place to start and you never know, you might have a huge passion for it.”
Looking to fill multiple apprentice roles within the growing business before the end of 2023, 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 5-year programme, in partnership with Derwentside College, starts with a 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.
Candidates can find more information and apply for the NVQ Level 3 and HNC Level 4 engineering apprenticeship programme at Clearly Drinks via their website or can send a CV to [email protected].
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