A brand new degree course offered by Sheffield Hallam University has commenced in January 2022: the BSc (Honours) Packaging Professional degree apprenticeship. There are 12 places on the first course, five of which are occupied by employees of Kite Packaging keen to become experts in their field to support the continued growth of the largest online packaging distributor in the UK.
Kite Packaging has heavily invested in the personal growth and training of their staff since their founding when they began their graduate scheme in the same year. This new qualification combines the studying of a university course alongside 30+ hours of employment a week, thus allowing the individuals to gain invaluable industry experience in addition to specialist learning. This aligns seamlessly with Kite’s values of work ethic partnered with perpetual education.
Over the four years, the course will cover a range of modules including Art & Design aspects of packaging with sustainability, project management and analytical considerations. Additionally, engineering areas such as materials science, testing & regulations and manufacturing & production will be taught in depth, completed with Personal Professional Development studies. By being able to apply the learning directly into a workplace, the employee is granted an excellent balance of theory understanding and hands-on training.
The students will gain a specialised qualification without having to pay any student fees all while earning a salary, and the company will acquire highly skilled workers equipped with the knowledge to shape the future of the packaging industry. As a company powered by employee share-ownership, Kite is dedicated to the continual growth of its individuals for the amplified benefit of the group as a whole.
Elsewhere, Kite Packaging has elevated their enterprise with the introduction of eight new delivery vehicles in order to continue their rapid levels of growth. This investment will supplement the vast increase in demand for Kite’s packaging products, allowing the business to maintain their quick delivery turnaround. Currently, Kite has a standard 2-4 working day delivery which is free for orders over £100 and the option to upgrade to next working day delivery for an additional fee.
The updated trucks are the latest specification DAF 18 tonne Euro 6 rigid body lorries with a combination of tail lifts and towbars. The lorries will be stationed at the North East, Rotherham, Midlands, Swindon, Letchworth and Portsmouth Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs). Therefore, this development will have significant impacts across the country, empowering Kite to have a greater all-round accessibility to its customers.
