Bottler helps young people into work

Shropshire bottler Wenlock Spring is giving young people practical experience across engineering, production, marketing and data, including a student who moved from a placement into paid work.

The independent family-run water bottler based near Church Stretton, is showing how practical workplace opportunities can help young people take a confident first step into their careers.

Through a mixture of apprenticeships, internships, site visits and engineering work experience, young people are contributing to live work across production, engineering, logistics, marketing, finance and data analysis. Some are also supporting warehouse and bottling operations and completing certified forklift training.

Matthew Orme, director at Wenlock Spring, said: “Local businesses have an important role to play in helping young people take their first steps into work. These opportunities can build confidence, develop practical skills and show how someone’s interests or studies could translate into a future career.

"Manufacturing offers far more variety than many people realise, and by opening our doors we can give young people a clearer view of the different routes available across production, engineering, logistics, marketing, finance and data analysis.”

Among those developing their careers at Wenlock Spring is Charlie Ralphs, who is completing a Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship. He supports content creation, social media, campaigns, events and promotional activity while gaining experience on live projects for the business.

Rhys Page, a Shrewsbury College student completing a T Level in Mechanical Engineering, first joined the company on an engineering work experience placement. After impressing the team, he moved into a paid part-time summer role and has already helped produce a component for one of Wenlock Spring’s crown capping machines.

Wenlock Spring also helps students see manufacturing first-hand. Lower Sixth A-level Design and Technology students from Shrewsbury School recently toured the site, seeing blow-moulding and stretch-moulding processes and learning about temperature control, preventative maintenance, quality checks, safety and waste reduction.

Matthew added: “Whatever path a young person is considering, they need opportunities to test their skills, learn from experienced people and build confidence. Supporting them at the start of their careers helps develop the talent that businesses and communities will need in the future.”

Pictured: Matthew Orme and Rhys Page