We are so excited that our packaging design specialist, Sam Wood, has been named a finalist in the highly competitive Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year category at the SY Apprenticeship Awards.
It is an incredible but well-deserved achievement for Sam, who has forged a unique position at Far'n'Beyond since joining in 2018 as a creative designer, production assistant, print specialist, and packaging technician.
Following a period of continued growth in our packaging services, it was evident that additional resources were needed to support our development, and Sam would be an excellent candidate.
After speaking with Darren at the BPMA, we learned about the 'Packaging Professional Degree Apprentice Course' at Sheffield Hallam University. This quickly became the best option to support Sam's development within the packaging sector while enabling him to continue working full-time.
"The Packaging Professional Degree Apprentice Course at Sheffield Hallam has really opened my eyes to the world of packaging.
Not only am I learning about the different types of packaging and the processes behind them, but I'm also learning to develop my skills within Far'n'Beyond and my career as a packaging designer.
The course has taught me to think outside the box."
Sam Wood. Far’n’Beyond
The BSc (Hons) course covers all aspects of the packaging industry, from raw materials to presentation, and thanks to the opportunities it offered, it quickly accelerated our journey.
The SY Apprenticeship Awards, sponsored by Sheffield Forgemasters, celebrate innovation and excellence from apprentices studying across the region.
An impartial panel of industry experts evaluated entries for the SY Apprenticeship Awards, and with numerous entries, we know that getting to this stage is a huge achievement.
"Sam has proven himself to be a hardworking member of the cohort and, despite not having the confidence of others, has repeatedly demonstrated that hard work and commitment deliver exceptional reward."
Sharon Harvey, Apprenticeship Coach – Packaging and Management.
The awards ceremony will be held in May at Magna Sheffield. We are looking forward to championing the success of others and, regardless of the outcome, celebrating Sam's fabulous achievements.
At Far'n'Beyond, we pride ourselves on doing the best for our clients. An objective requires experienced and dedicated individuals passionate about their craft.
This commitment has helped Sam develop his reputation at the University, alongside colleagues and in the wider packaging industry.
"Sam is an asset to Far'n'Beyond and a fantastic ambassador for the University and would be a deserving finalist in the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
Gavin Ellis. Far'n'Beyond
The whole team at Far'n'Beyond wish Sam the best of luck ahead of the awards - a fantastic achievement and deserved recognition for his hard work and dedication.
///////////////////////////////
Update: We attended the Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony and had a fabulous time joining course mentors and leaders of Sheffield Hallam University amongst the apprentices and supporting companies.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening celebrating the achievements of students from across the county, the event highlighted the high standard and contribution that apprentices bring to an organisation.
Unfortunatley Sam didn't recieve the Technology & Digital Apprentice Award, but in tough category of deserving individuals, it was great to be recognised as a finalist.
Sam was also invited to represent apprentice students of Sheffield Hallam University as they collected an award for Training Provider of the year.
A fantastic experience, all of us at Far'n'Beyond are very proud of Sam and grateful for the support of John, Peter and Sharon from the Packaging Professional Degree Apprentice Course.
