Employer profile: Essity, a global hygiene and health company
What it’s like to work at a global hygiene and health company
Health and hygiene companies supply us with everyday products like tissue paper, and feminine and healthcare products. What is it like to work for one? In this guide, you’ll learn all about working at Essity, what apprenticeship opportunities are available, and how to apply.
| Founded | Essity formerly known as SCA was founded in 1929 and rebranded 2017. The name Essity stems from the words “essentials” and “necessities”. |
| Locations | In 60 countries around the world! |
| Employees | 46,000 people worldwide |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, product design and engineering, chemical and materials engineering, logistics, business |
| Great for | People who are looking to kick start a long term career |
| Not for | People who are not passionate about our values |
Kelly Doolan, who is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Essity, tells us what it’s really like to work for the company.
What does Essity do?
At Essity, we design, develop, produce, and sell everyday hygiene and health products. That includes things like tissue paper, incontinence products, feminine care, and wound care.
Essity is a leading global fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) organisation. We have some of the UK’s most recognisable brands like Cushelle, Plenty, Velvet, Bodyform, TENA, and Leukoplast.
Our company has staff across different departments which each play an important role. This includes manufacturing and technology, supply chain logistics, marketing, sales, HR and training, and IT teams.
Where is Essity based?
Our HQ is in Sweden, but we operate in 60 countries! Our UK sites and offices are located across the North of England, Wales, and Ireland.
We have six manufacturing sites where we produce products like toilet paper and kitchen paper in places like Manchester, Prudhoe (Newcastle Upon Tyne), and Skelmersdale.
We also have offices in Manchester, Dunstable, Dublin, and Hull, where some of our teams like sales, marketing, and customer services are based.
What is Essity’s work environment like?
We're committed to creating a culture where everyone can thrive and this is based on our four guiding beliefs and behaviours: Care, Collaboration, Courage, and Commitment.
We believe in the power of difference and know that a diverse, inclusive culture is key to making insightful decisions and sustainable innovations.
Each of our locations are different. Some are offices and some are factories and mills, but each site offers a warm and friendly environment. Work patterns vary depending on the site – for example, staff at our factories or mills could either work in shifts or have set hours.
Some of our office-based staff also have the chance to do hybrid work depending on the role.
Essity promotes inclusive and healthy workplaces and empowers our employees to have a sustainable working life. We do this through regular training, and support from our occupational health advisors and mental health first aiders.
Early careers employees have a mentor and meet regularly with their manager. This helps us to make sure we're supporting employees with any additional requirements.
We also have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion forum which is set up and run by employee ambassadors, who look at how we can best support each other at work.
Who wouldn’t be the right fit for Essity?
We’re looking for people who embody our values, and who aren’t afraid to challenge, innovate, experiment, and move at a fast pace.
How can someone join Essity at entry level?
We have apprenticeships in areas like manufacturing and engineering, and you’ll start above the national minimum apprenticeship wage for all roles.
For example, you can train to become a manufacturing process apprentice which means that you’ll work towards a Level 2 qualification in Performing Engineering Operations. Or you could train as a level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician qualification. During your training, you’ll learn about our papermaking process, using machines that are larger than a jumbo jet and run faster than the motorway speed limit!
Check our website for our most current apprenticeship opportunities.
Typically, we require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or 5, but the requirements for different roles are outlined on our apprenticeship and job adverts.
What skills does Essity look for in applicants?
We look for four key skills which are teamwork, communication, being solutions focused, and commitment.
We assess these throughout our recruitment process and during our assessment day. The day involves speaking with some of our current employees, apprentices and HR team, and completing a written and practical assessment.
Make sure you keep up-to-date with Unifrog events. Essity will be joining Unifrog webinars to discuss everything from our application process, to what a day in the life of an apprentice looks like.
Related Unifrog skills:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Accountability
What is a top tip to help an entry level applicant succeed at Essity?
Tailor your CV to the role that you're applying for and make it clear why you want to pursue a particular career. For example, if you're looking for a mechanical engineering role with us, we want to know why you're interested in this area. This could mean writing about a relevant school project or work experience, or even a project that you've developed in your own time!
What opportunities are there for progression at Essity?
Check out our careers stories on our website to learn more about how different apprentices have progressed within our company.
Good stuff from elsewhere
Essity apprenticeships
Find out more about Essity's apprenticeship opportunities in the UK
Essity career events
Find out about upcoming career events by Essity.
Essity career stories
Read about the experiences of Essity employees and experiences across a range of job roles