Inspiring the Next Generation in Carton Packaging Manufacturing
Every year, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) from the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) celebrates the achievements of women working across engineering, manufacturing, technology, and technical industries, while highlighting the importance of encouraging more women and girls to explore careers in these sectors.
At Harrison Packaging, we believe the future of the carton packaging industry depends on attracting talented people from all backgrounds. As a leading UK carton packaging supplier and folding carton manufacturer, we are proud to support the next generation of engineers, print technicians, designers, and manufacturing specialists who will help shape the future of packaging.
This year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence, celebrates the creativity, innovation, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills that engineers bring to the world around us.
The future of packaging needs diverse talent
Engineering and manufacturing continue to face a skills challenge.
Women remain significantly underrepresented across engineering and technical roles, particularly within industrial manufacturing environments. The packaging industry is no exception, with women still representing a smaller proportion of production, print, and engineering roles.
At the same time, the UK print and packaging sector is experiencing a shift in workforce demographics, with many experienced professionals approaching retirement. Without investment in the next generation, there is a risk of losing valuable technical knowledge, craftsmanship, and industry expertise.
For carton packaging manufacturers like Harrison Packaging, attracting young talent into technical careers is essential.
That means creating opportunities, offering meaningful development pathways, and ensuring careers in print, packaging, engineering, and manufacturing are visible and accessible to everyone.
Women in Engineering: Meet Paige who is challenging perceptions in carton print manufacturing
At Harrison Packaging, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our apprentice Paige Long, who is helping to challenge traditional perceptions of careers within the print and packaging industry.
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day – Apprentice Paige Long operating the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 X Press
Paige joined Harrison Packaging in July 2023 as an Apprentice Print Operator through the BPIF Training Programme. At just 16 years old when she started her journey, she became the first female printer in Harrison Packaging’s 143-year history.
Initially expecting to see desktop-sized printers, Paige discovered something very different during her interview: large-scale industrial printing presses, including our advanced Koenig & Bauer and LSX press technologies.
That first experience sparked a passion for print manufacturing, and she has continued to develop her skills ever since.
Her journey has included hands-on training, mentoring, apprenticeship learning, and real-world experience – working with some of the most advanced print technology and professionals in the packaging sector.
Now, she plays an important role within our print operations team and has progressed through her apprenticeship ahead of schedule.
Last year, Paige received national recognition for her commitment, technical ability, and professionalism at the BPIF Cartons Industry Awards, winning the Outstanding Achievement Award!
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day – In 2025, Paige and Scott attended the BPIF Cartons Awards Evening, a national industry event at which Paige won the Outstanding Achievement Award, and Scott was Highly Commended in the Operational Colleague of the Year Award.
Investing in future talent in packaging
Our commitment to developing future talent goes beyond apprenticeships as we work with schools, colleges, and training providers to help young people understand the opportunities available within the print and packaging industry.
Through work experience placements, apprenticeships, and industry engagement, we provide opportunities for people to gain valuable insight into careers, including:
- Print technology and press operation
- Packaging production
- Carton manufacturing
- Engineering and maintenance
- Design and innovation
- Quality and technical roles
- Customer Service
- Account Management
- Business Development
As a leading UK folding carton manufacturer, we understand the importance of passing knowledge and skills to the next generation.
The packaging industry continues to evolve, with advances in automation, digital technology, sustainability, and manufacturing processes creating exciting new opportunities for the future workforce.
Creating a more inclusive future for packaging
We believe employers have an important role to play in encouraging more women into engineering and manufacturing, and we are working to support this through our own initiatives:
- Sharing real stories from women working in technical and engineering roles
- Providing work experience and career insight opportunities
- Promoting apprenticeships as a pathway into skilled manufacturing careers
- Creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to develop and progress
- Supporting continuous learning and professional development
By working together, businesses, education providers, and industry organisations can help ensure the future workforce reflects the talent and diversity needed to drive innovation.
Building the future of carton packaging together
If your school, college, or organisation would like to arrange a visit, presentation, or discussion about careers in carton packaging, print technology, print engineering apprenticeships, and manufacturing, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact us on 01642 754600 or email recruitment@harrisonpack.com.