Employer profile: Essity, 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.

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?

Essity is a leading global fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) organisation. This means that we design, develop, produce, and sell everyday hygiene and health products like tissue paper, incontinence products, feminine care, compression therapy, and wound care.

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 headquarters are based in Stockholm, Sweden but we operate in 60 countries around the world! 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 Manchester, Prudhoe (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Skelmersdale, Skelmersdale Tawd, Oakenholt, Stubbins (Ramsbottom), and Oakenholt (Flint). 

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?

At Essity, we are committed to creating a culture where everyone can thrive and this is based on our four guiding beliefs and behaviours which are; 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 creating powerful and sustainable innovations. 

Each of the 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, our employees based at one of our factories or mills could either work in shift patterns or have set hours. 

Some of our office based staff also have the opportunity of hybrid working depending on the role.

How does Essity meet the needs of employees with additional requirements?

Essity promotes inclusive and healthy workplaces and empowers our employees to have a sustainable working life. We do this through multiple approaches like regular training, our occupational health advisors, and our mental health first aiders. 

Early careers employees are supported through having an assigned mentor and meeting regularly with their manager. This helps us to make sure that we are 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?

Our Apprenticeship programmes have become well established over many years within our various sites in the UK.

We have apprenticeships throughout our business, including manufacturing and engineering, and you’ll start above the national minimum apprenticeship wage for all of our apprenticeship 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 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.

What are the entry requirements for these roles?

Typically we require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or 5 but the entry requirements for different roles are outlined on our apprenticeship and job adverts.

What skills does Essity look for in applicants?

During our application process we look for four key competencies which are teamwork, effective communication, being solutions focused, and commitment. 

We assess these competencies throughout our recruitment process and during our assessment day which 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.

What is a top tip to help an entry level applicant succeed at Essity?

Tailor your CV to the specific role that you are applying for and make it clear why you are wanting to pursue a particular career. For example, if you are looking for a mechanical engineering position with us, we want to know why you are interested in this area. This could mean highlighting a relevant school project or work experience, or even writing about a project that you have 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 and employees have progressed within our company.

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