Coster joins forces with The Sheffield College to take on its first Apprentices

4th December 2020

Coster is a leading multinational provider of spray packaging solutions and filling equipment. The company caters for all aspects of the aerosol and dispensing packaging market specialising in the production of aerosol valves and spray through actuators,

The Coster UK manufacturing plant is a state of the art, purpose built facility which employs skilled people alongside advanced levels of automation technology.

Coster UK has increased its manufacturing capabilities over the last 4 years expanding its valve and  injection moulding lines and becoming the first UK packaging provider to assemble spray pumps in the UK.  This increasing capability has gone hand in hand with the expansion of its UK workforce which has grown by more than 18%.   In August 2020 Coster’s UK Managing Director, David Bennett decided to join forces with The Sheffield College to offer the Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship to two students. 

Coster believes offering the route of apprenticeships is extremely valuable.  Apprentices gain real life skills complimented by a great education, Coster gains from having motivated and competent team members whilst the wider UK manufacturing industry benefits from having successful businesses and skilled people.

David Bennett, Managing Director Coster UK said: “The addition of the apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Sheffield College is extremely important to Coster.  If manufacturing businesses are to grow and prosper in the future we need great people with the right mindset, the right balance of skills and education  and all of this coupled with solid real world experience.  Apprenticeships if done well can absolutely deliver this.  I look forward to a long legacy of development together with Sheffield College and creating a real ladder of opportunity for people who want to enter manufacturing in the future”

Steve Elliott,& Vice Principal of Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning, The Sheffield College, said: "Our Apprenticeships+ service supports employers to get the skills they need and enables our students to become highly employable and go further in their careers. Employers get access to tailored skillsets and fresh ideas, and we are delighted to work with Coster UK."