Every career starts somewhere.
For Jason, it started at just 16 years old with a Modern Apprenticeship in Digital Application Support after leaving school with his National 5 qualifications. What began as an opportunity to explore an interest in design has grown into a rewarding career, helping customers develop packaging solutions used across a wide range of industries.
This World Youth Skills Day, we’re celebrating Jason’s journey and recognising the value that apprenticeships bring—not only for young people beginning their careers, but for businesses investing in the next generation of talent.
Starting with Curiosity
Jason chose an apprenticeship because it offered something different from the traditional route into work. It gave him the opportunity to learn while gaining real-world experience, allowing him to develop practical skills from day one.
Like many apprentices, he entered the workplace with enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and an interest in design. Over time, that curiosity became expertise.
Learning Skills That Last
Apprenticeships are about much more than learning a job. They help develop the skills that support a successful career.
Throughout his apprenticeship, Jason strengthened his communication skills by working closely with colleagues across the business and ensuring information was shared accurately between departments.
He also developed strong problem-solving abilities. Packaging projects can sometimes change between design and production, requiring quick thinking to resolve challenges and keep production moving smoothly.
Alongside these transferable skills, Jason learned to use AG/CAD, Cullen’s specialist packaging design software. Much of this was self-taught, spending time exploring the software, understanding each tool and continually improving his knowledge through practical experience.
A Typical Day at Cullen Packaging
Today, Jason plays an important role within our Design team, supporting projects from concept through to production.
His responsibilities include:
- Designing packaging solutions that meet customer requirements.
- Producing physical samples for customer approval.
- Measuring, testing and preparing packaging for quotation.
- Ordering and managing cutting formes for production.
- Providing technical tracings for our production teams.
- Working with internal and external sales teams to understand customer requirements.
- Carrying out theoretical pack compression tests to help customers determine pallet stacking performance and select the appropriate board grade.
Every project combines technical knowledge, creativity and collaboration to deliver packaging solutions that perform throughout the supply chain.
Advice for Future Apprentices
Reflecting on his own journey, Jason has some simple but valuable advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship:
“Don’t be afraid to start somewhere.”
“Asking questions is a strength.”
“Every expert was once a beginner.”
He also believes that everything he does today builds on the skills he developed as an apprentice – proof that investing time in learning creates opportunities that last throughout a career.
Investing in the Future
World Youth Skills Day is an opportunity to recognise the importance of developing young talent.
At Cullen Packaging, we’re proud to support career development through apprenticeships, helping young people build confidence, gain practical experience and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
As Jason’s story shows, investing in young people isn’t just about today’s opportunities—it’s about building the skills, knowledge and expertise that will shape the future.
After all, investing in young people means investing in the future.
Every career starts somewhere.
For Jason, it started at just 16 years old with a Modern Apprenticeship in Digital Application Support after leaving school with his National 5 qualifications. What began as an opportunity to explore an interest in design has grown into a rewarding career, helping customers develop packaging solutions used across a wide range of industries.
This World Youth Skills Day, we’re celebrating Jason’s journey and recognising the value that apprenticeships bring—not only for young people beginning their careers, but for businesses investing in the next generation of talent.
Starting with Curiosity
Jason chose an apprenticeship because it offered something different from the traditional route into work. It gave him the opportunity to learn while gaining real-world experience, allowing him to develop practical skills from day one.
Like many apprentices, he entered the workplace with enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and an interest in design. Over time, that curiosity became expertise.
Learning Skills That Last
Apprenticeships are about much more than learning a job. They help develop the skills that support a successful career.
Throughout his apprenticeship, Jason strengthened his communication skills by working closely with colleagues across the business and ensuring information was shared accurately between departments.
He also developed strong problem-solving abilities. Packaging projects can sometimes change between design and production, requiring quick thinking to resolve challenges and keep production moving smoothly.
Alongside these transferable skills, Jason learned to use AG/CAD, Cullen’s specialist packaging design software. Much of this was self-taught, spending time exploring the software, understanding each tool and continually improving his knowledge through practical experience.
A Typical Day at Cullen Packaging
Today, Jason plays an important role within our Design team, supporting projects from concept through to production.
His responsibilities include:
- Designing packaging solutions that meet customer requirements.
- Producing physical samples for customer approval.
- Measuring, testing and preparing packaging for quotation.
- Ordering and managing cutting formes for production.
- Providing technical tracings for our production teams.
- Working with internal and external sales teams to understand customer requirements.
- Carrying out theoretical pack compression tests to help customers determine pallet stacking performance and select the appropriate board grade.
Every project combines technical knowledge, creativity and collaboration to deliver packaging solutions that perform throughout the supply chain.
Advice for Future Apprentices
Reflecting on his own journey, Jason has some simple but valuable advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship:
“Don’t be afraid to start somewhere.”
“Asking questions is a strength.”
“Every expert was once a beginner.”
He also believes that everything he does today builds on the skills he developed as an apprentice – proof that investing time in learning creates opportunities that last throughout a career.
Investing in the Future
World Youth Skills Day is an opportunity to recognise the importance of developing young talent.
At Cullen Packaging, we’re proud to support career development through apprenticeships, helping young people build confidence, gain practical experience and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
As Jason’s story shows, investing in young people isn’t just about today’s opportunities—it’s about building the skills, knowledge and expertise that will shape the future.
After all, investing in young people means investing in the future.
