Wednesday 14 June 2017

Engineering Apprenticeship with The Wrigley Company

Based in Plymouth, Devon since 1971, Wrigley produces well known confectionary brands including EXTRA® and AIRWAVES® sugarfree gums, and SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies.

Established in 1891, Wrigley is a recognised leader in confections. Headquartered in Chicago and with operations in more than 40 countries, Wrigley distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180 countries across the globe.  The company employs around 17,000 associates globally and operates as a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated.


What were the businesses issues/challenges to undertake training?
With an increasing number of long serving associates beginning to explore retirement at their Estover site, Wrigley recognised the need to ensure the knowledge transfer of crucial functional and technical skills and as such chose to partner with The Cornwall College Group to develop a new four year Engineering Apprenticeship Programme. Eight new apprentices were hired in 2015 with a further seven starting in 2016 and numbers will continue to be reviewed annually.


The training undertook:
The Apprenticeship programme is now in its second year with 19 apprentices. Wrigley support their apprentices through an induction week, leadership and team building days, regular performance reviews and continued coaching and mentoring. In 2016 four Wrigley apprentices took part in the Brathay Challenge, a national competition raising the awareness of apprenticeships. They completed community projects and presented at schools and an employer event, and as finalists of the competition they were invited to the House of Commons.


What impacts and benefits has the training had on the company?
Taking on new apprentices has had a positive impact on Wrigley’s existing staff boosting their confidence in knowing that they are passing on their knowledge to potential leaders of the future. Wrigley’s Apprenticeship programme is key to their succession planning, ensuring that the business has the right skills it needs now and for the future.

“We believe in playing to the strengths of our apprentices to nurture them to become future leaders”. Chris Shaw, The Wrigley Company Limited

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.

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