Redpack Packaging Machinery, based in Norfolk, employs around 80 people and manufactures flow wrap machines used for wrapping products such as cheese, bread, crisps, cosmetics and toys. 

Gary Howard, General Manager at Redpack, says: “We were approached by the local technical college to take on some T Level students two years ago and I’m so pleased we said yes. We hosted two students last year and two this year, and they’ve all been a brilliant asset to the business.” 

“The students we’ve hosted have lots of enthusiasm, motivation and commitment. Because they’re studying for a technical qualification, they have the technical knowledge needed for a meaningful placement, which work experience students don’t always have. 

Gary says that Redpack has benefited from hosting T Level students in many ways: “They start being productive quite quickly, which is obviously brilliant for the business. We’ve also found it’s been beneficial for our employees' professional development; by buddying with or mentoring the T Level student, they can develop their own leadership skills”. 

On the length of the industry placement, Gary is very positive: “By giving the students experience of all the different parts of the business, the 45 days just flew by. We were well supported by the local technical college where the students are studying, so I really think T Levels are a game-changer.”

Watch Gary discuss Redpack’s experience of hosting T Levels below.

Redpack has since offered jobs or apprenticeships to all of their T Level placement students, so it’s a fruitful and reliable recruitment pipeline, as both parties know what to expect. 

The best thing about hosting T Level students is they bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the team. Gary concludes: “Some of us are stuck in our old ways, having worked in the manufacturing industry all our lives. We often find it easy to say ‘no’ to things. The T Level students come and say: ‘why can’t we try this?’ It’s refreshing and good challenge for us.”

Click HERE to find out more about hosting a T Level student.