Oswestry apprentice builds career and champions mental health at work
Jasmine Ford joined GWR Fasteners aged 17 and has since developed her career while introducing initiatives to promote mental health awareness among colleagues
An Oswestry apprentice who joined a local manufacturer aged 17 has developed her career while also helping colleagues learn more about mental health.
Jasmine Ford joined GWR Fasteners Ltd in July 2023 after completing her A-levels and working part-time in a tearoom.
After spotting an apprenticeship advertised by the company, she applied and began a career in manufacturing and distribution.
Her role has since developed to cover sales and purchasing, involving regular contact with customers and suppliers, problem-solving and learning about the industry.
She said: "I love the variety of what I do. As well as working in sales, I also work in purchasing, so I get to speak to customers and suppliers every day.
"There's always something new to learn, whether that's resolving an issue with an order or helping another member of staff."
Alongside her work, Jasmine decided to undertake mental health training to better understand how to support colleagues.
She has since introduced an initiative called The Sweet Support, encouraging conversations about mental wellbeing, and organises regular quiz afternoons to bring staff together and raise awareness.
She said: "Mental health is a big part of life and work nowadays, and I wanted to understand how I could offer support to people who might be struggling."
Jasmine has also represented GWR Fasteners at careers fairs across Shropshire, including a recent event at Shrewsbury College's London Road campus, where she spoke to students about opportunities in manufacturing.
Tom Ellis, senior manager at GWR Fasteners, said Jasmine had grown in confidence, knowledge and responsibility since joining the company.
He said: "Jasmine is a fantastic example of what young people can achieve when they're given an opportunity and the support to develop.
"What makes her particularly special is that she doesn't just think about her own development. She's genuinely interested in helping others, and her initiative around mental wellbeing is something we're incredibly proud of."