In July, Greif UK Ltd. celebrated the learning achievements of 28 colleagues who passed their NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Performing Manufacturing Operations. The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a work-based competency qualification developed in partnership with industry experts in manufacturing and in accordance with national occupational standards for engineering. The UK plants are focused on the key drivers and skills underpinning organizational performance and productivity.
Michelle Crown, UK HR Manager, explains: “It’s vital to nurture talent and promote internal mobility within Greif. A culture of talent development appreciates the value of lifelong learning and supports colleagues who want to learn, grow and futureproof their careers.
A key turning point for Greif UK Ltd. was 18 months ago when we took a holistic review of the skills within the organization and developed a 3-year road map for each UK plant. Purposeful communication with our employees helped them understand career and skills development were essential for long-term success. As part of the planning, we identified the skills needed to achieve the longer-term strategic priorities of the business, which enabled us to focus on upskilling our existing talent. A partnership was formed with Cheshire College – South & West with a number of training programs underway. The level of support and guidance received from the college has been amazing.
The achievements we have seen within the Greif UK teams require individual colleagues to initiate their own drive and responsibility. We have opened doors to re-upskilling opportunities and fostered a culture where internal movement is actively encouraged, but it’s still up to the individual to take their career where they want it to go. Creating this culture and providing the mechanisms necessary to allow colleagues to flourish creates benefits for both the individual and Greif.”
For their July 10 celebration, they hosted the following partners from Cheshire College – South & West:
- Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal
- Helen Meakin, Employer Engagement & Relationship Manager
- Mick Taylor, College Tutor
- Colin Stokes, Business Development Executive
- Rebecca McHugh, Photographer
Ellesmere Port also celebrated the achievements of two apprentices who completed their technical apprenticeship programs. Cobie Gray and Joshua Vaughan both joined Greif in 2019, beginning their new roles as Trainee Manufacturing Engineers. Cobie studied Process Engineering and Joshua studied Maintenance Technician.
Dan Hardy, UK Maintenance Manager, shared these comments about their career pathways:
Cobie Gray – “Cobie recently joined the Engineering team as a Trainee Manufacturing Engineer having spent her apprenticeship in various rotations of Production and Quality demonstrating her passion for what we do as a business. Cobie has completed her HNC (Level 4 Higher National Certificate) in Process Engineering and gained a vast amount of knowledge specializing in the design and operation of processes. Cobie has the ability to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and is equipped with advanced skill sets to ensure the plant, equipment, and manufacturing assets are monitored and optimized to support the current and future operations.”
Josh Vaughan – “Over the past 18 months, I have witnessed the growth of a talented individual progressing in a highly valued career pathway with Joshua. With the completion of his HNC (Level 4 Higher National Certificate) in Mechanical Engineering Josh has begun a new role as a Trainee Manufacturing Engineer. Josh has continually applied his knowledge of engineering principles in several work-based projects developing the skills and confidence to work autonomously on many plant and production line issues. He will continue to support the Maintenance and Engineering team whilst continuing his professional development where he will soon commence a degree in Industrial Engineering in September 2023. This is a challenging three-year advanced qualification where he will implement the methodologies of authors who have strived to advance the workplace with an engineer’s mindset. Josh has an incredible opportunity to apply advanced technology to drive the business forward.”
Congratulations to all of Greif UK colleagues on their accomplishments!
