Established in 2001, Clearmark Solutions has become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of digital coding solutions that print data including date, barcode and batch information on to various primary and secondary packaging substrates, for a range of markets including food and beverage, pharmaceutical and DIY. From an initial staff of just three, the company now employs 75 people at its two purpose-designed headquarters in Nottinghamshire.
Will Cupitt joined the company in 2012. Initially working in the warehouse, he has progressed in the company and recently completed an engineering apprenticeship to become a workshop engineer.
What are your day-to-day activities and responsibilities?
I work on the Vulcan print and apply labelling machine, which involves building bespoke systems for our range of customers. My role mainly involves mechanical and electrical work, from building wiring for the control panels for the systems we sell to re-wiring existing components so that they are compatible with our systems. I ensure that systems are completed safely, on time, and built to the Clearmark standard. However every day is different; activities can vary depending on the type of systems and projects that we are working on.
What did you do before your apprenticeship?
I started off working in the warehouse for four years until I got the opportunity to work in the repairs department, maintaining our coding and labelling machines to thrive in customers’ tough factory environments, which I did for two years. During this time I enrolled at college, to build on the skills I had already learnt. Through my studies I realised that it would be beneficial to get experience in the workshop, designing and building bespoke coding and labelling solutions for our customers, to put into practice what I had learnt at college. After impressing in the workshop, and taking advice from my manager and college tutor, I agreed to move into the workshop full-time, which I did in August 2018.
What apprenticeship programme were you on and how was it structured?
I was on an advanced level apprenticeship studying Electrical Engineering at Level 3 (Full Diploma). During the apprenticeship programme, I attended college once a week to gain knowledge of the theory to support my work-based learning. I also had a college assessor who visited me monthly to work on my National Vocational Qualification, an additional work-based qualification.
How has the apprenticeship helped you?
My apprenticeship has helped me gain a better understanding of the engineering industry and has made the full-time switch to the workshop easier. I have also gained experience and qualifications that are transferable to other jobs and departments.
What major projects have you worked on?
One of my first major projects was a job for a large local cheese manufacturer, which I think was one of the biggest that Clearmark had ever had. We all had to work hard to make sure the systems worked perfectly and were delivered to the customer on time. It involved eight large conveyor systems with Vulcan printers. Due to the amount of work that was required, and the short timeframe to build the systems, this was a challenging but interesting project, in which I gained a lot of experience
Notable achievements?
Starting to independently build conveyor systems, and getting distinctions at college.
What do you do outside work?
Outside work I enjoy socialising, music, and gaming. I’m also in a metal band that gigs regularly.
How do you think apprenticeships compare with other routes into work?
It’s hard for me to say as I was already an employee. But I can see how as an apprentice you can gain experience and an education while earning money. It also gives you a good understanding of the industry and an opportunity to speak to and get advice from others who are working towards a similar goal.
Visit Clearmark’s careers page at bit.ly/2Y182M4 or email humanresources@uk.interactivecoding.com