Arden Dies and Glossop Cartons, both family-owned firms based in Stockport, will tour schools, colleges and job clubs across the region to promote the benefits of manufacturing and engineering careers within the packaging industry.

They will also visit primary schools to run educational sessions on trees, recycling and sustainability, with the hope of introducing the packaging supply chain to children from a young age.

The partnership comes after the British Chambers of Commerce revealed that the manufacturing industry is facing its greatest skills shortage in 30 years.

Arden Dies managing director Martin Poynter said: “There’s a real lack of awareness among young people coming through the education system today about the opportunities available within the packaging and printing sectors.

“This is a booming industry, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to attract new talent, and this issue is compounded by an ageing workforce across the sector, so it’s more crucial than ever that we find the next generation of skilled workers.

“There’s a real drive at the moment for more sustainable packaging as the world strives to move away from plastic and looks towards environmentally friendly alternatives, so there’s never been a better time to join this industry.”

Arden Dies, which is part of the Arden Group, was established in 1964 and specialises in die and tooling manufacture for the packaging and carton industry. The company recently kicked off its latest apprenticeship recruitment drive.

Glossop Cartons was established in 1982 and produces cartonboard products. The company already has several successful partnerships and provides work experience placements and career talks in Stockport schools, but hopes that working with Arden will help it to reach more young people – particularly girls – across the North West.

Glossop Cartons joint managing director and BPIF board member Jacky Sidebottom-Every said: “Traditionally, the printing and carton industries have been quite male-oriented environments and it’s rare to see women in the technical roles, but this should not be and must not be the case.

“There is no reason at all why women should not embrace the rewarding careers and opportunities available to them in the modern printing sector.”

Separately, the Arden Group has recently celebrated an unusual double hire. Twin sisters Bethany and Lucy Williams applied for a single office administrator apprenticeship position at the group and impressed interviewers so much, they were both offered a place in October.