Coca-Cola targets Apprentices for Scottish factory
Overall, the business is currently recruiting 30 positions to take its East Kilbride operations to 230 permanent positions. In Scotland, apprentices make up 5% of CCEP’s workforce
The site is looking for people to apply to the open roles, which include Food & Drink Engineering Maintenance Apprentices and Food and Drink Operations: Food Manufacturing Excellence at SCQF level 6.
The member of the Scottish parliament (MSP) for Angus North and Mearns, Mairi Gougeon, visited the East Kilbride factory, to meet current Apprentices and see how CCEP was supporting apprenticeships in Scotland.
Apprentices
During the visit she met seven Apprentices undertaking engineering maintenance or business administration Apprentices at the site. She also met five former Apprentices now employed permanently in engineering roles, of which two are continuing their learning through a degree Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacturing Design.
Seamus Kerrigan, operations director at CCEP in East Kilbride, said: “We are committed to supporting Apprenticeships in Scotland, which allow individuals to work, learn and earn, while gaining the skills we need to ensure our business thrives in the future. They’re a hugely valuable part of the work we do, and we’re excited to meet our next cohort following this round of applications."
The company said it was continuing to invest in recruitment in Scotland through a live virtual work experience scheme for Oban High School which is running during Scottish National Apprenticeship Week.
The bottler is also working with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to pilot foundation Apprenticeships.
Sector Based Work Academy
CCEP said it had also utilised the Sector Based Work Academy programme in Scotland to provide placement opportunities across commercial, supply chain and head office functions within the business.
The East Kilbride site has also supported the UK Government’s Kickstarter scheme to employ young people at risk of long-term unemployment.
Mairi Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, said: “It was fantastic to meet CCEP’s apprentices and hear more about the work they’re involved in. From improving the production lines to ensure they work safely and sustainably, to championing inclusion within the workplace, they’re all playing a valuable role within our local economy and building important workplace skills that will support their development in the future.”
