Equipped with a degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Sheffield, I joined Gripple’s prestigious graduate programme in September 2020.

During my time on the scheme, I worked in I&I (Ideas & Innovation), continuous improvement, quality, production, technical engineering, sales and product management. Having a direct involvement in several areas of the business enabled me not only to enhance the skills I already had, but also to explore new areas I had not had the opportunity to explore before.

With all my rotations on the scheme completed just under a year and half after my start date, I was offered the role of project engineer in our I&I department, specifically in new product innovation. This role involves the implementation of new products from design to mass manufacture. Working across the wider business whilst on the graduate scheme allowed me to network and to build strong relationships with stakeholders who I now work with every day. This is key to building a successful team and achieving the efficient project management of our new products. At Gripple, we pride ourselves on targeting 25% of company turnover coming from products launched within the last five years, so having a strong, cohesive team is vital, especially when moving into new markets.

After a slight delay due to the global pandemic, in the summer of 2022 I had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica on a Raleigh expedition, where I had to lead a team of volunteers on a project to build a schoolhouse and subsequently, on a trek. This unique and unforgettable experience certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone, but using and developing my leadership, communication and organisational skills will without doubt have a direct impact on my professional career both now and in the future.

Gripple is a great and unique place to work and, as we move forward with our five-year vision, the graduate scheme offers a fantastic opportunity with incredible prospects for motivated graduates hungry to succeed!

Aidan Mullen, 2020 Gripple Graduate Scheme

Check out our current graduate and placement opportunities here:

https://www.gripple.com/gripple-careers/graduates-placements/