Nexnet

The plastic milk bottle manufacturer has become involved in the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (MPD), to offer help and support from an employer’s point of view on the new qualification for 14 to 19 year olds. The Diploma in MPD gives students a hands-on education in all aspects of manufacturing and the chance to work directly with employers.

 

Nampak is opening its doors to teachers in a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) days at its sites around the country. The company held the first two CPD days at its manufacturing plants in Essex and Gloucestershire.

 

Teachers were given an insight into sustainability issues and the blow moulding process at Nampak’s ‘hole in the wall’ bottle-making factory in Dagenham, Essex, where the company makes HDPE (high density polyethylene) bottles for Dairy Crest.

 

They learned how Nampak uses high-grade recycled plastic in its bottles and how the company is researching the use of plant-based polymers in its bottles.

 

The visitors were also given a tour of Nampak’s blow moulding facilities for an insight into the complete manufacturing process.

 

Nampak Regional HR Business Partner Michele Wilson said: “People are astonished when they come here and see what we do. We’re getting involved in the Diploma in MPD because we think we have a role to play in developing the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.”

 

As a result of the event, Nampak has received enquiries from Sixth Form Colleges who are keen to bring Diploma in MPD students to the factory.

 

Nampak also teamed up with Gloucestershire Education Business Partnership to host a CPD day at its site in Stonehouse.

 

Michele said the company plans to host more events at its sites around the country over the coming months: “Teachers and students really can learn a lot from us in just a couple of hours. We plan to give them a valuable insight into the high-tech world of manufacturing, which we hope will inspire young people to become the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.”

 

The Diploma in MPD combines classroom learning with site visits, work placements, practical projects and lectures from industry professionals to allow students to see how subjects such science, maths, ICT, design and technology are applied in the manufacturing sector. It sits alongside GCSEs and A-Levels and is intended to both increase awareness about the sector for young people who might want to pursue a career in manufacturing, and also develop general skills which are needed in any workplace.

 

Employers play a crucial role in the Diploma in MPD, working with schools and colleges to host site visits, give presentation to students, offer work placements, advise on work-related projects and assist with teachers’ continued professional development. A group of employers across the country are also members of the Diploma Employer Champions Network, acting as ambassadors to promote all Diploma lines and encourage participation from their colleagues.

 

 

Issued on behalf of the Manufacturing Diploma Development Partnership, by Nexnet PR, Leeds, www.nexnet.co.uk.  For further information call Nexnet on 0113 247 0029 or email paul.newham@nexnet.co.uk.

 

Visit www.bottle2bottle.com for more information on HDPE or www.eu.nampak.com/plastics for information on Nampak.