Apprentices Hand Over Donations to HHCP
SGS Packaging Europe has three busy offices in Hull,
with a combined workforce of around 500 specialists. To reflect its commitment
to high-quality training, in 2018 it launched its apprenticeship programme, presenting
an exciting way to enter the industry and begin a fulfilling career.
There are currently 16 apprentices working at SGS
offices in The Maltings and Bridgehead Business Park. Alongside in-house training, one-to-one mentoring and regular
development days, they have also been given ownership over a series of
community projects taking place throughout 2019. Ranging from fundraising
activities to hands-on community support, the four chosen charities benefitting
from this are Hull Homeless Community Project (HHCP), Yorkshire Cancer
Research, Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and Aaron’s Battle.
Since early February, the SGS
apprentices have been encouraging their colleagues to donate everyday items to
collection bins that were placed in the canteens on both sites. Everything
donated is being handed over to HHCP to help with the organisation’s Move On
project, which transitions individuals and families who have experienced
homelessness into safe and comfortable independent living. After three months
of SGS staff popping an extra item into their shopping trolleys, together they
have accumulated dozens of products that will make a world of difference to
HHCP’s service users.
“All kinds of items were donated,”
says Nicola Ashton, who manages the apprenticeship programme. “They range from
toiletries such as deodorant and toothbrushes, to baby wipes, canned foods,
towels, cleaning products and bedding.”
Meanwhile, the apprentices have been organising a range of
other activity to further support the four charities. From a promise auction
where staff could bid on goods and services such as homemade cakes and dog
walking sessions, to selling bags of heart-shaped sweets for Valentine’s Day,
the fundraising pot is steadily growing.
Nicola adds: “They even joined HHCP
for a full day to turn a dilapidated flat into a bright and welcoming home by
cleaning, painting and decorating every inch of it. This was for a woman who
had experienced traumatic abuse and exploitation, creating a safe environment
for her to move on and start a fresh chapter.”
Andrew Smith, CEO at HHCP, is also delighted
with their attitude and support: "The
apprentices are at an age where they’re in a great position to better
understand their place in the community. They're becoming more aware of others
around them, feeding their hunger for learning about social issues, and
discovering how they can make a difference on a daily basis."
The apprentices are now looking for
local businesses that can help them to deliver additional events during 2019. If
you’re interested in collaborating or donating a prize, please get in touch at information@sgsco.com.
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