Full Q&A with Chloe Cripps, People & Culture Manager at Exactaform

What qualities do you look for in young people joining Exactaform, beyond academic qualifications?

For us, attitude and potential are just as important as qualifications and we look for people who reflect our values of Craft, Own and Deliver. We look for people who are naturally curious, take pride in what they do and are always looking to learn and continuously improve. A strong work ethic, reliability and ownership also matter. Technical skills can be taught and developed over time, but enthusiasm, commitment and a genuine desire to improve are qualities that give someone a really strong foundation for a career at Exactaform.

How important is it for employers to provide clear development opportunities for young people entering manufacturing?

It’s extremely important. Young people want to understand what their careers could look like in years to come. It’s not just about a first job, it’s about allowing them to build a successful future.

As employers, we need to show that entering manufacturing isn’t simply about taking a job, it can be the beginning of a long-term career with opportunities to develop technical expertise. We need to facilitate this by providing structured training, mentoring and exposure to experienced colleagues who can pass on their knowledge. When people can see that their employer is willing to invest in them, they are much more likely to invest their energy and ambition back into the business. Putting people first is essential for a successful company.

What can manufacturers do to become more attractive employers for school leavers and graduates?

I think we need to do a better job of showing young people what modern manufacturing actually looks like. There can still be an outdated perception of the industry, when in reality advanced manufacturing involves sophisticated machinery, automation, digital technology, engineering, problem-solving and continuous innovation.

Manufacturers also need to engage with young people earlier. That means working with schools and colleges, offering apprenticeships and work experience, opening our doors for site visits and allowing young employees to tell their own stories. If we can clearly demonstrate what an ambitious and supportive manufacturing environment entails, I think this is incredibly compelling for school leavers and graduates to feel confident in their next stage choice.

What advice would you give to students who may not have achieved the results they were hoping for?

Academic qualifications are important, but they are only one measure of a person’s potential. There are many different routes into a successful career and an apprenticeship or practical route into engineering and manufacturing can give you skills, experience and opportunities that are every bit as valuable.

Be prepared to look at options you might not have originally considered. Speak to employers, visit businesses, ask about apprenticeships and show people that you are keen to learn. Your attitude, determination and what you do next is key.

I put a huge amount of pressure on myself when I was completing my education and looking back, I probably forgot to enjoy the learning journey itself. Results can feel incredibly important at the time, but they don’t have to define the direction your career takes. It’s important to remember some of the best careers aren’t built by following a perfectly straight path and being open to learning holds so much value.

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