Sam is a second-year Packaging Professional degree apprentice at Far’n’Beyond, a creative design, print, and digital agency. 

Far’n’Beyond wanted to enhance its packaging profile and range by offering a degree apprenticeship. Sam’s employer highlighted the opportunity to study at Sheffield Hallam whilst continuing to work to develop his skills and support to reach his career goals. 

“I’ve never studied at university level before so when the opportunity was introduced to me, I took it!

“We have under 20 employees, this has allowed me to learn as much as possible during my apprenticeship. My role varies day-to-day, I manage all packaging inquiries that come through in addition to account management, production, and design on top of all that.

“I enjoy going in-depth on a packaging project and translating what I’ve learned and applying it in a work setting. I analyse the sustainability of products and materials and use my expertise to liaise with suppliers to understand their products from a sustainability point of view to improve our offering. 

“Since starting the course, our packaging inquiries have increased and we have a lot more packaging orders on our system, and we have further development in the pipeline.

“In one of my modules, we were tasked with deconstructing packaging, where we used machinery in the labs at Sheffield Hallam to experiment with drop and compression tests. I have also learned about self-reflection in the workplace and how to produce a business case plan. This has given me an in-depth understanding of Far’n’Beyond’s overarching business activities as well as stakeholder management. 

“I would love to manage my own team of designers whilst also leading all packaging inquiries to better develop the business.

“If you're considering a higher degree apprenticeship, my advice would be to embrace it. There are so many learning opportunities to help develop and enhance your skill set.”