Forum Embraces Talent

Lincolnshire’s paper sack and preprint manufacturer, Forum Packaging Ltd, are always looking to the future and it has recently embraced talent through apprenticeships and internal promotion.

Forum are delighted that, after completing a four year apprenticeship in electrical engineering, Damien Robinson has been appointed Electrical Engineer at their site in Horncastle. Damien joined the company in 2012 after being successfully selected as their Electrical Engineer Apprentice. Working within the engineering department, Damien embraced the challenge of learning new skills at work as well as attending his apprenticeship course, one day a week, at Lincoln College.

Throughout the four years, Damien remained committed to both Forum and his college course and his efforts have been rewarded with an advanced qualification in electrical and electronic engineering and installations. Damien joins the company permanently and will be responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining and improving electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products and systems throughout their site.

Forum recognises that maintaining and embracing talent is important in advancing essential skills to its business. Engineering skills are vitally important to the manufacturing industry and therefore the company are committed in enhancing their engineering department further and nurturing talent.

This summer, Forum have recruited another apprentice who will again join the engineering department, as a maintenance engineer apprentice. Matthew Alexander-Jones will start in September 2016 and, whilst working four days a week with the team, he will also attend Boston college for one day a week, to complete his first two year intermediate course in engineering. Once Matthew has successfully completed his first two years it is hoped he will continue for a further two years on an advanced engineering course.

Forum’s MD said, ‘Apprenticeships are very important to Forum Packaging. Not all talented individuals wish to go to university these days. There are very practical young people out there who want to begin their career early and also want to be rewarded with employment as well as learning. Our aim is to capture this talent, offer an alternative career path and give long term support to those individuals, benefitting both them and us. I believe more manufacturing companies should be looking at this career path for practical young people – it’s vital to nurture these people who show a passion for manufacturing at an early stage.’

Not only are Forum embracing apprenticeships, they are also committed to internal development when the opportunities arise.

Laura Neame joined the company in 2012 as an internal sales coordinator. Laura has proven herself to be a valued member of the team and in order to retain and develop her talent and career aspirations the company has progressed her skills and knowledge wherever it can. When the opportunity came about for an external sales account manager, Laura was approached and asked if she would like the opportunity to move into a different area of sales.

Forum were delighted that Laura took up the new challenge and has really taken to her new role. Laura enjoys the freedom of being on the road whilst still being able to use her excellent customer relation skills she is renowned for. She is now in a position to meet many of her previous account customers in person as well as developing new relations with her other accounts.

Forum wishes all three the very best in their new roles and hopes they enjoy the new challenges ahead of them; setting their sights high and achieving their goals. Jo Topley, HR Manager said, ‘We hope they embrace the opportunities ahead of them and continue to develop and grow with the company; remaining valued members of the Forum Team now and in the future’.