4 June 2024: PUPILS from a Flintshire primary school got an insight into paper manufacturing with a site visit.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Flint embarked on an educational adventure beyond the classroom as students toured the Essity paper mill in Oakenholt.
The young learners explored the inner workings of the facility, where they gained insights into the production of tissue for popular UK toilet paper brands like Cushelle and Tork hand towels used by institutions such as the NHS.
Central to the visit was the introduction to Essity's 'I Care' initiative, which underscores the significance of caring for customers, consumers, the environment and fostering a culture of mutual support among employees for ensuring safety.
Graham Nutter, Essity's safety specialist at Oakenholt Mill, expressed delight in hosting the eager visitors. He emphasised the rarity of witnessing the manufacturing process behind a household staple like toilet paper.
"Toilet paper is a product that is familiar to us all, but very few people get the opportunity to see how the manufacturing process works, it was great to host such an enthusiastic group of visitors," said Graham.
During the tour, students witnessed the impressive paper machines in action and delved into the technological marvels of the mill's operational control room and training development centre. The experience aimed to inspire and excite the youngsters about careers in manufacturing, potentially sparking interest in future apprenticeships among the group.
The visit also featured hands-on activities tailored for the Year 4 pupils. From a creative safety video to a fun-filled game of 'shoot the hoop' with rolls of toilet paper, the pupils revelled in interactive learning. A highlight was the playful 'mummifying' of volunteers with toilet paper, culminating in a sweet indulgence from a local ice cream van.
Graham added: "Given the need for students to make subject choices early in their school career, welcoming young people on site is an ideal opportunity to show them how exciting manufacturing can be - and hopefully enthuse them to think about an apprenticeship with us in the future.
"We were also able to tell them about our global 'I Care' initiative which seeks to create a safe and healthy working environment by caring for each other and the environment."
The children were accompanied by their class teacher Adriano Bianco, who said: "Through this immersive experience, our pupils learned more about the importance of care, not only in the manufacturing process but also in fostering a sense of responsibility towards each other and the environment. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves, particularly spending time in the mill's control room and playing basketball with toilet rolls."
by Claire Pierce
@ClairePierceCCN
Community Content Editor