Greif UK's Ellesmere Port site receives New Apprenticeship Employer of the Year from Cheshire College South & West; apprenticeships are 'key resource’ for the continuous development of talent, skills and application of new technologies, says HR director

Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement commented, “The Annual Apprenticeship Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work, determination, and development of our students. All the award winners are living proof of just how valuable apprenticeships are to the community, businesses, and the wider economy.” Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, expressed, “Our Apprenticeship Award winners demonstrate the varied opportunities that our high-quality apprenticeship programs can provide. 

The College currently has over 1,000 apprentices, who work with over 500 local, national, and international employers”. Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the ceremony included more than one hundred guests in attendance and twelve award recipients.

Greif UK Ltd. has witnessed first-hand how extending apprenticeships positively impacts young adults’ careers within their local communities. It is an ongoing challenge to find qualified, skilled production colleagues. However, Greif UK knows they have an opportunity to help future-proof the manufacturing and engineering workforce by supporting the development of talented young people during the early stages of their careers. 

This is why Greif UK has forged a strong partnership with Cheshire College South & West to establish and promote apprenticeship programs. It builds a talent pipeline for vital roles in the success and sustainability of our manufacturing industry. Ellesmere Port has one active apprenticeship with an Engineering student working in their Production team. 

They are in discussions with the next intake of apprentices that will fill two four-year apprentices from another college. They also have several other upskilling training programs running concurrently with the Cheshire College apprenticeships.

Michelle Crown, HR Manager UK, expresses, “We want Greif to be an employer of choice and attract the local talent within the area. Supporting apprenticeships is instrumental towards our strategy of Creating Thriving Communities.”

“Apprenticeships are a key resource for Greif for the continuous development of talent and skills and the application of new technologies, as delivered by our technical colleges,” shares Jelle Altena, HR Director, North-West EMEA.

While they are excited to have received the award recognition, Greif UK is looking forward to the next apprentice intake and the growth of their partnership with Cheshire College – South & West. 

The apprenticeship awards really serve as a celebration of the amazing apprentices and the participating employers from across the UK region who grow and develop a student’s skills.

Gerard De Vries, Operations Director, North-West EMEA adds, “Offering traineeships for us at Greif is an important way to stay connected with new and upcoming talent in schools. Furthermore, we are committed to developing the skillset of those apprentices early in their careers at Greif.”