Testimonials from the Industry
The industry is a thriving community of individuals who have a wealth of valuable experience - below some key individuals from across the range of ages and roles, offer their insight on what it's like to work in the industry.
Apprentice Spotlight
Rhys Kirby
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Rhys Kirby of RWC (Formerly John Guest) is in the third year of his Level 3 injection moulding apprenticeship. |
Josh Foltyn
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Completing his apprenticeship in early 2019, Josh was one of the first apprentices in the country to achieve both a Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship standard, as well as a Diploma in Polymer Processing. S4P has reached out to Josh to see what his thoughts were on the apprenticeship and how life has been since completion. |
Kamil Ostrowski
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Polymer Apprentice of the Year Award 2020 – Winner
Emily Harris
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The winner of the Polymer Apprentice of the Year Awards 2020 is Emily Harris of Berry Global Plasgran. She demonstrated a high level of achievement in her workplace and has excelled in her apprenticeship. Her brilliant work included designing and building an electrical panel to improve a wash plant machine. Furthermore, her volunteering activities outside of work with MindSpace and her ambition to become a STEM ambassador to inspire young women to become engineers was felt to demonstrate great character and maturity. |
Polymer Apprentice of the Year Award 2017 – Winner
Oliver Marsh
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"2017’s Winner, Oliver Marsh of MGB Plastics, demonstrated a high level of achievement in completing parallel apprenticeships in Mechanical Engineering (with Distinction) and Plastics Processing. He also made a big impression with his leadership role in the numerous improvement projects which he undertook for MGB Plastics." |
Entry Level
Shift Process Operator Level 2 - Reece Connolly
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"I knew very little of the industry before applying...Specifically, it was the apprenticeship program that interested me the most as I liked the thought of being paid a salary from day one to complete on the job training. The clear progression opportunities and obtaining a widely recognized qualification (NVQ) were also very attractive as I was looking for a career, not simply a job." |
Mid Level
Product Engineer- Judit Guerra-Falcon
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" Persevere, life is not always easy. For those who know what they want, those who don’t know or are not sure, working in the plastics industry can offer a job full of possibilities anywhere in the world; Berry Global who I am employed by have got sites in more than 290 locations worldwide. " |
Group Sustainability Manager - Katherine Fleet
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" I would advise people not to rule out any industries or jobs...I had never thought of a job in packaging as a career path but I'm still enjoying it 8 years after starting out! " |
Process Technician - Neil Russell
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" The thing I enjoy most about working in the plastics industry is that no two days are the same, each day presents itself with new challenges and opportunities. Whilst it may be a demanding industry at times... it is even more so an interesting and exciting industry " |
Senior Level
Director - Karen Drinkwater
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" The best thing about working for a plastics manufacturer is when you see the products that you have designed and made being used out in the real world. I have to admit that I have been known to take pictures of ice cream bins, hand wash systems and baby changers whilst on holiday, much to the dismay of my family. " |
Manging Director - Bruce Margetts
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" Don't underestimate the value of experience. A positive constructive helpful attitude gets you appreciated; you usually get back according to how much you put in. " |
Managing Director - Mark Hughes
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" My advice would be to progress your education as far as your capabilities allow and as early as possible. Test different roles if you can until you find the right one for you, ensuring you decide what you ultimately enjoy doing. " |
Managing Director - Cameron McLellan
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" Don't be afraid to fail. Find out what really inspires you, educate yourself to the highest level and pursue it with vigour and enthusiasm. " |