The Shropshire water bottler is developing practical skills across engineering, production, logistics, marketing and data through apprenticeships, internships and placements.
Wenlock Spring is using apprenticeships, internships and engineering placements to give young people practical experience across production, engineering, logistics, marketing, finance and data analysis at its Shropshire bottling operation.
The approach gives students and early-career employees responsibility on live projects while helping the business develop skills across manufacturing, operations and customer-facing activity.
Matthew Orme, Director at Wenlock Spring, said: “Local businesses have an important role to play in helping young people take their first steps into work. These opportunities can build confidence, develop practical skills and show how someone’s interests or studies could translate into a future career. Manufacturing offers far more variety than many people realise, and by opening our doors we can give young people a clearer view of the different routes available across production, engineering, logistics, marketing, finance and data analysis.”
Rhys Page, a Shrewsbury College student completing a T Level in Mechanical Engineering, first joined Wenlock Spring on an engineering work experience placement. After impressing the team, he moved into a paid part-time summer role and has already helped produce a component for one of the company’s crown capping machines.
Charlie Ralphs is completing a Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship, supporting content creation, campaigns, events and promotional activity. Kaitlyn Orme has joined through the University of Bristol’s SME Internship Scheme for 2026 and is working across finance and marketing, analysing sales data, market trends and product information.
Young people are also gaining experience with production and warehouse teams, bottling lines and day-to-day operations, with some completing certified forklift training. Site visits give students a closer look at blow-moulding and stretch-moulding, preventative maintenance, quality checks, safety and waste reduction.
Wenlock Spring’s support for emerging talent also reaches hospitality. The company supported the Zest Quest Asia 2026 gala dinner for aspiring student chefs and sponsored the Wenlock Spring Tempura Challenge at the 2026 British Culinary Championships through its relationship with the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Matthew added: “Whatever path a young person is considering, they need opportunities to test their skills, learn from experienced people and build confidence. Supporting them at the start of their careers helps develop the talent that businesses and communities will need in the future.”
