Working at Aylesford Newsprint
We recognise that our most important resource is our employees and we are conscious of the need to create a safe and pleasant working environment as well as challenging and rewarding careers. Here you will find information on what it is like to work at Aylesford Newsprint.
Investment in People
We recognise that continued improvements in performance and profitability are only achieved through the abilities and efforts of people. Aylesford Newsprint is committed to realising the collective potential of our workforce and to being the best we can be through the provision of comprehensive training, education and development.
We are fully committed to lifelong learning and, at any one time, approximately 11% of our workforce is studying for further, higher and professional qualifications. Our modern training facility, the Excellence Centre, opened in 1999 and in 2005 we launched a new partnership with our Union Learning Representatives.
We were first recognised as an Investor in People in 1998 and have been re-accredited twice since. The Assessor's report from the most recent assessment in November 2004 stated that:
"The Company has clearly demonstrated its continuing commitment to training and development. There were extensive examples of personal support for the development of individuals which were far above the obligations of the organisation."
Working hard, playing hard
We manufacture paper continuously, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. 140 of our employees work on a 12-hour shift pattern and most of the rest are day workers employed in a range of engineering, technical, administrative and managerial functions. The work is varied and challenging.
Helping to get the right balance between work and other aspects of life is important for us. We encourage employees and their families to take part in a full range of activities organised by our Sports and Social Committee, the members of which come from all over the plant and include a pensioners' representative. Committee members work hard to provide a variety of events throughout the year from a children's Christmas pantomime visit to quiz and bowling nights, paintballing, go-karting and the more regular sports such as badminton, cricket and football. There's also a Christmas Ball which gives everyone the opportunity to get out their posh frock or bow tie to dance the night away.
We have a good mix of both events and participants and try to provide activities to suit all abilities, ages and levels of enthusiasm. We are recognised as a family employer in the local community and so it is important that everyone feels included, from the children and grandchildren through to the company pensioners.
