Look sharp! Dan Norris, Metro Mayor of the West of England went back to the factory floor where he had one of his first jobs.

Mr Norris worked in the factory's thermoforming division in the late 1970s and early 1980s when it was known as DRG plastics. Today Sharpak Yate is celebrating 50 years in business and looking to the future with a new and improved apprenticeship programme for 2023.

Sharpak Yate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of food packaging in the UK supplying trays for fresh produce and ready meals to the poultry and hospitality sectors.

Managing Director Mark Dennis introduced the Mayor to one of their current apprentices and together they watched a video of the past 50 years of operation, looking out for shots of a young Dan packing as much as possible into his working day – which he still does now!

Mayor Norris who has responsibility for jobs and training said:

"I'm glad I wasn't on an early! I never liked those 6am starts! The place has really changed with the times. I'm impressed with the way they have embraced environmental issues and led the field in producing recyclable materials in their products. We all want convenience sometimes and it's good to know that it comes at less of a cost to the planet than it used to. I salute their commitment to apprenticeships as a route for young people to employment."