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Premier Labellers takes on an apprentice with PPMA BEST funding

Premier Labellers, a Harwich, Essex, business has taken on a local apprentice with the help of financial support from PPMA BEST.

The organisation, which works to encourage young people into engineering and improve the chances of the UK manufacturing work force, asks companies to PPMA BEST on behalf of their apprentices to access financial support, a process it says that even more manufacturing organisations are turning to in order to help their new apprentices.

Tracie White, PPMA director and chief executive officer of Premier Labellers said apprenticeships are key to fitting in with the company ethos of developing people, who can gain practical experience in a real role with genuine responsibility.

“Learning from inspiring industry experts and gain true life skills that will stay with them forever,” White said. “Luke has passion which is one of the most important qualities that I look for in an employee, having the enthusiasm to continue to learn throughout the training is a recipe for success in any industry.”

Luke Mealing, a Harwich local, will receive on-the-job training along with study time and a full-time salary to help him to achieve industry recognised qualifications. He will complete his apprenticeship programme and be totally debt free.

Even before starting at Premier Labellers Luke always had an interest in fixing things and working with his hands.

Luke said: “I have always enjoyed the idea of taking things apart and finding out how they work or trying to fix stuff, something I learnt from my dad who has been an engineer for over 30 years. From a young age I had fixed a broken radio and VHS deck, and seeing something you have spent many hours on fixing finally coming back to life gave me a feeling of excitement like no other.”

Premier Labellers has been a PPMA member for over 20 years and were able to assist Luke in applying for the apprenticeship grant.

Luke added: “I’d also like to say thank you to PPMA BEST for the grant as I have been able to buy some very nice tools that will help me in my job.”

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