Packaging company manufactures high achievers

A staff member at a UK packaging manufacturer has chosen to undertake an NVQ instead of going to university, in order to develop his skills and experience in preparation for a career in the industry.

Funded by Manchester-based Duo, logistics coordinator, Tom Gibson, has commenced studies for a Logistics Management NVQ. Combining academic assessment within a professional environment, the year-long course is designed to challenge Gibson to understand best practice, be better positioned to implement this within his work and prepare for career progression. The course is being delivered by Skills Solutions, the largest provider of work-based learning in the North West.

Gibson, aged 20, joined the Duo team in May 2012. He comments: “When making my career choice I realised there was a huge opportunity within local manufacturing and I’m very grateful to Duo for opening this door for me. The industry profile is relatively low for school leavers and those considering university placements; however I would strongly recommend pursuing this line of work and encourage schools to do more to promote manufacturing as the credible and exciting career option I have found it to be.

“The industry is incredibly fast paced with advancements in technology ensuring there is always a challenge and opportunity to develop skills. It is highly rewarding to see something created from start to finish and with so much to learn as processes evolve it’s a dynamic and interesting environment in which to work.

“Having originally planned to study History at university, I am now looking forward to developing practical skills, earning a salary and setting my own development pace, which will set me up for a great career.”

Duo UK has made a £96,000 investment in staff training and development in 2013 to date. David Brimelow, Managing Director and founder of the business, said: “It is our duty as a local employer to encourage those entering the work place to do so with ambition and focus, and reward those who express a desire to achieve career progression with the opportunities to do so. The skills and expertise of our team has enabled us to achieve fantastic growth over the 25 years we have been in business and as we look to the future we have made a commitment to nurturing this talent.”