Overview
Redpack Packaging Machinery, based in Norfolk, employs around 80 people and manufactures flow wrap machines used for wrapping products such as cheese, bread, crisps, cosmetics and toys.
You know it’s a success when your colleagues start competing against each other to have the next T Level student!
Case study details
Location: Norfolk
Sector / subsector: General / Food
Number of employees: 85
A 360 degree experience
Gary Howard, General Manager at Redpack, says: “We were approached by the local technical college to take on some T Level students two years ago and I’m so pleased we said yes. We hosted two students last year and two this year, and they’ve all been a brilliant asset to the business.”
“The students we’ve hosted have lots of enthusiasm, motivation and commitment. Because they’re studying for a technical qualification, they have the technical knowledge needed for a meaningful placement, which work experience students don’t always have.
“We’re keen to give a 360-degree experience of Redpack while they’re with us, so we make sure they get a week in each of the different parts of the business – from the electrical section and design area, to fitting, assembly and testing.”
“We’re sometimes stuck in our old ways, having worked in the same industry our whole life. We often find it easy to say ‘no’ to things. One of the best things about T Level students is that they come in with fresh eyes and say, ‘why can’t we try this or do it this way?’. It’s refreshing and a good challenge for us.”
Gary Howard, General Manager at Redpack
Refreshing existing processes
Gary has seen many benefits for Redpack of hosting T Level students: “They start being productive quite quickly, which is obviously brilliant for the business. We’ve also found it’s been beneficial for our employees' professional development; by buddying with or mentoring the T Level student, they can develop their own leadership skills”.
Gary was surprised by how quickly the placements passed: “By giving the students experience of all the different parts of the business, the 45 days just flew by. We were well supported by the local technical college where the students are studying, so I really think T Levels are a game-changer.”
Redpack has since offered jobs or apprenticeships to all of their T Level placement students, so it’s a fruitful recruitment pipeline and reliable, as both parties know what to expect.
The best thing about hosting T Level students is they bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the team. Gary concludes: “Some of us are stuck in our old ways, having worked in the manufacturing industry all our lives. We often find it easy to say ‘no’ to things. The T Level students come and say: ‘why can’t we try this?’ It’s refreshing and good challenge for us.”