The Purina petCare factory in Wisbech got involved with National Apprenticeship week when the firm’s regional director went back to the factory floor.

Cambs Times: Richard Watson and Jamie Griffin at PurinaRichard Watson and Jamie Griffin at Purina (Image: Archant)

Richard Watson, northern region director, shadowed factory apprentice Jamie Griffin, 19, to raise awareness of the vast range of opportunities open to apprentices at Nestlé.

Apprenticeships involve a mix of academic study with local colleges and practical on the job work experience.

Mr Watson said: “I was hugely impressed by Jamie and the work he’s been doing at our Wisbech site. This apprenticeship has given Jamie the opportunity to take the first step on his career ladder and as well as helping him to develop his practical engineering skills, it’s given him real confidence and experience working with people and enhancing his communication skills.

“Apprenticeships are very important to PURINA PetCare and apprentices give the business real perspective and energy.”

Jamie joined the business at Wisbech in September 2013 and is working towards his Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering.

Jamie, from Sutton Bridge, said: “I really enjoy putting the theory I learn at college into practice at work and being able to get stuck into some big projects has been brilliant. I would recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone.”

In November last year, Nestlé announced the launch of the European Youth Employment Initiative, a commitment to helping at least 20,000 people across Europe under the age of 30 find employment by 2016. Some 1,900 of these opportunities will be in the UK & Ireland.

There are currently up to five apprenticeship opportunities available at the Wisbech factory. For details visit www.nestleacademy.co.uk.