Olivia Tomlinson
Packing a punch: Nestlé packaging apprentice Olivia Tomlinson explains how packaging is helping her build a career with purpose.
Olivia Tomlinson is a third-year Packaging Degree Apprentice based at Nestlé’s Dalston factory, home to Nescafé Frothy Coffee and Coffee-mate. From reducing plastic use to implementing new packaging technologies, Olivia is already leading projects that are helping to shape the future of packaging at Nestlé.
Here, Olivia shares how creativity, curiosity and a passion for sustainability led her to a career she never expected and why apprenticeships can offer far more than a traditional degree route.
Finding a career with impact
After finishing college, Olivia wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do next. She chose to complete a foundation art diploma, where she explored 3D design and worked with a wide range of materials. It was there that she began to ask bigger questions about the products people use every day and, crucially, what happens to them after use.
“I started thinking about the packaging behind the products I was buying. Why isn’t this recyclable? What happens to it when it’s thrown away? That curiosity really stuck with me.”
Those questions eventually led Olivia to packaging and to Nestlé’s degree apprenticeship programme, where she could combine creativity, engineering and sustainability while gaining hands-on experience in a global manufacturing environment.
Learning by doing
As a packaging apprentice, Olivia works across both renovation and innovation projects, focusing on improving existing materials and introducing more sustainable alternatives. Her role spans everything from artwork approvals and master data to on-line trials, supplier collaboration and shop-floor problem solving.
“One of the biggest benefits of the apprenticeship is the exposure you get so early on. You see the full end-to-end process, from an idea on paper to something physically running on the production line.”
That exposure has come with real responsibility. In her first year alone, Olivia led the implementation of updated coding on Nescafé sachets as part of a major rebrand - a project she admits she never expected to take ownership of so early in her career.
“I didn’t realise how much responsibility I’d be given. Being trusted to lead projects has been a huge confidence boost.”
Driving sustainable change
Sustainability sits at the heart of Olivia’s work. Over the course of her apprenticeship, she has been involved in several high-impact initiatives aimed at reducing virgin plastic use in packaging materials and improving recyclability, and supporting Nestlé’s wider environmental commitments.
One of her most significant projects has been her work to reduce the length of coffee sachets, a year-long initiative that is reducing virgin plastic use. She has also worked closely with major retailers to remove unnecessary shrink film from Coffee-mate packaging, delivering further plastic savings.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see your work translate into real change. When you spot something you’ve worked on in store, it makes all the effort worth it.”
Olivia has also contributed to major innovation projects, including the transition from non-recyclable plastic jars to fibre-based packaging formats, gaining valuable insight into new technologies, regulatory requirements and large-scale implementation.
Support to succeed
Balancing university study with full-time work is demanding, but Olivia credits Nestlé’s structured support for helping her thrive. She benefits from protected off-the-job learning time, a dedicated mentor who previously completed the programme, and regular one-to-one support from her manager.
“The flexibility and support make such a difference. My university work is always linked back to real projects, so everything I’m learning feels relevant.”
That support extends beyond formal learning. From thoughtful onboarding, including site visits before starting and a welcome package, to a culture where ideas are listened to and acted on, Olivia says she has always felt valued.
Looking ahead
Now in her third year, Olivia has her sights set firmly on the future. Her ambition is to become a site-based packaging specialist, continuing to drive improvements and champion sustainability within manufacturing.
She has already been recognised externally, having been shortlisted for a Future Trailblazer Packaging Award for Circularity Champion, a milestone she describes as “a proud moment”.
For Olivia, the apprenticeship route has been transformational.
“I’ve grown so much in confidence. I now walk around the factory seeing opportunities for improvement everywhere, something I never would have done at the start.”
Her advice to others considering their next step is simple:
“Think about what you’re passionate about and what you’re curious about. Then look for roles you might not have considered before. Apprenticeships give you the chance to build a career, not just earn a qualification.”
