Igniting passion and success with Encirc’s apprentices

Encirc is celebrating the success of two apprentices who have excelled in their roles at the company’s Elton plant in Cheshire.

Ed Keables, 21, and Ben Edwards, 25, joined Encirc in 2020 as apprentices via the award-winning Ignite apprenticeship scheme. Training as Food and Drink Process Operators, they soon proved to be key members of their respective teams and have since passed their Food and Drink Process Operator Level Two awards with distinctions at Reaseheath College.

Ben has also been nominated for the Apprentice of the Year Award in the High Sherriff’s Awards for Enterprise, highlighting his contribution and commitment during his apprenticeship.The prestigious award, hosted in partnership with the University of Chester, showcases the achievements of local companies and people from Cheshire.

Equipped with the experience and guidance gathered during their time training, both Ben and Ed have now accepted full-time roles at the Cheshire plant, solidifying their role within the wider Encirc team. Ben is now working full time as a Process Operator while Ed has taken on the role of Technical Operator.

Lee Wright, Talent and OD Specialist at Encirc, said: “At Encirc, we’re always looking to equip the next generation of people with the skills they need to succeed. Ed and Ben are two fantastic examples of how we can support local people with future-proofed jobs and cutting-edge skills that will stay with them for life. It’s been a pleasure seeing them both go from strength to strength and become core parts of their teams.”

There are plans to grow Encirc’s Ignite programme in the coming years and promote STEM careers to young people – creating a diverse and welcoming environment for everyone to succeed in.

With glass’ sustainability credentials and exciting career prospects, programmes like Ignite can open doors for younger people, with anyone over the age of 16 eligible to apply.

If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice at Encirc, you can find out more and register your interest here.