Meet Our Apprentices: Jade Howard
Our apprenticeship scheme launched in
2018 and if you work in Hull or Tamworth you will surely have met at least one
of our amazing apprentices. Each one is given specific tasks, growth areas and
one-to-one mentoring to help them develop specific expertise and transferrable
skills, as well as taking part in development days and fun activities to
further enhance how they work with colleagues and each other.
Jade Howard is 19 years old and had just
finished her A-levels at Wyke College before joining us at SGS. She studied
Fine Art, History and English Language, working part-time at a farm shop and
restaurant. Jade discovered our apprenticeship scheme and recognised that it’s
a well organised and structured programme: “I had a keen eye for design and
colour, so with SGS being one of the lead companies in innovative packaging, I
thought it would be a good opportunity to gain qualifications in print while
learning on the job.”
As is usually the case, there were other
routes available alongside an apprenticeship at SGS. However, Jade realised
that we provide the best and most versatile training provision: “SGS offers a
comfortable and friendly working environment and I thought I would easily fit
in and get to know people fairly quickly because of this. SGS also offers
support when needed, as well as help towards building up my knowledge, not only
to complete my apprenticeship but to progress in my job role too.”
Jade is based in the Colour Team, which
involves her working cross-site and supporting all main UK facilities. As a
result, she gets to work in a few locations depending on which jobs she has to
do on certain days: “All sites have a similar friendly atmosphere, so I don’t
mind which one I work from and I get to know the wider team in the process.”
Our apprentices always have great things
to say about our company and Jade is no exception: “SGS holds a lot of career
opportunities because the company is always developing the work that it
delivers. I think SGS supports staff as much as possible, which again adds to
the positive company culture.“
Now finishing Level 2 of her
apprenticeship and progressing to Level 3, Jade’s role involves supporting and
developing all areas of colour management within sgsco around the world: “My
team is quite small so we try to organise training weeks every two months at
The Maltings. I’m shadowed by one of my colleagues while completing tasks,
which helps me to learn useful tips and more efficient techniques as I go.”
Jade can now confidently calibrate a
proofer, fix minor issues and pick up tasks such as PCI checks on the colour
portal. She’s also learning how to complete more advanced tasks and requests on
the portal, which reflects the effectiveness of her ongoing training. On top of
this, she’s been assigned to fellow apprentice Lois Turner as a buddy to
support her through Level 2.
Thinking about
the future, Jade says: “I’m looking forward to being involved in more charity events through the
apprenticeship scheme, especially the Christmas ones as it’s my favourite time
of year. I’m excited to move on in my job role – at Level 3 I’ll have more time
to develop my skills on the colour management side of things and pick up additional
tasks, which helps me to become more independent.”
When she’s not
at work, Jade enjoys her Filipino martial arts class called Balintawak Eskrima, which she has
done for four years and is currently training at Level 5 out of 7. Creative at
all times, she draws and paints a lot in her spare time too, especially cars,
animals and landscapes. She also takes time to cook and bake, having made
plenty of cupcakes for work over the last year, and she’s even writing her own
cookbook: “I don’t want my sister living off beans on toast when I move out!”
We’re very
impressed with how quickly Jade is building her skill set and love having her
on board. All the best with Level 3 of your apprenticeship!
If you’re interested in apprenticeships at SGS
Packaging Europe, which are open to people of all ages, please contact information@sgsco.com.
