Chris is a Business Development Coordinator at Smurfit Kappa, a corrugated packaging manufacturer. He has developed his professional skills as a result of our Packaging Professional degree apprenticeship. 

“I have worked in the packaging industry for over 10 years, and I wanted to develop my personal and professional skills further. I saw the degree apprenticeship advertised in my workplace newsletter and that applications were being taken. I felt the course was a great opportunity to achieve a recognised Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification. An integrated degree apprenticeship was the perfect way to pursue my career goals and develop my skills.

“I am a Business Development Coordinator working for one of the world’s leading paper-based packaging suppliers in the world. My role has a wide scope which includes developing and securing new business opportunities, supporting Account Managers, maintaining client relationships, and helping coordinate operational activities through the management of administrative tasks.

“I support the management of specifications, artwork, and commercial data for our clients and ensure they receive the best service possible. I have led multiple operational projects which have improved operational performance and product high-quality products at Smurfit Kappa. 

“The course built the foundations for me to test and develop my skills in my place of work. I underestimated the impact the course would have on boosting my confidence and it has helped me to understand what I am capable of. 

“I received support from my Work Based Learning Coach. If I needed anything my coach helped me to keep me on track and ensured I kept to deadlines. It was useful to reflect on what I have learned during the course whilst applying this to the workplace.  

“The degree apprenticeship has been integral to my development and the success I have achieved to this day. 

“The course has given me the foundational skills needed to reach my full potential. I have exceeded my expectations and would recommend this course to anyone ambitious and looking to further develop their career. 

“The course has had a direct impact on gaining an internal promotion to my business development role. I present projects as part of my assignments that helped improve services to our key accounts by improving operational performance.

Chris won the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award at the Inspirational Student Awards 2023 for his commitment to career progression and professional development as a direct impact of his time at university. 

“Winning the award meant a lot, I never thought I would achieve this during my time at university and I want my story to inspire others so they can come forward and reach their full potential too. 

“I have always felt capable of obtaining a degree qualification, but I thought I had missed my opportunity as the years rolled by. My circumstances didn’t allow me to take on a full-time degree with my varying commitments. I believe a degree apprenticeship is an excellent way to jump-start your career and obtain a high-level qualification through work-based learning.  

“I intend to continue to develop professionally and see myself in a senior group level role whilst inspiring others to reach their full potential.”