One of the world’s largest manufacturing and distribution companies is on the hunt for Essex-based apprentices, as it expands its operations in the county. 
Procter and Gamble has its main UK manufacturing plant and distribution centre in West Thurrock, and is planning to build and operate a new biomass power-plant on the Essex side of the Thames Estuary. 
Worldwide, the corporation employs 127,000 people. Sales in 2014 totalled £53billion. 
Jenny Boylan, human resources leader at P&G, said the firm was always on the lookout for apprentices who live within striking distance of the plant.
She said: “We recruit apprentices to build the mechanical and electrical skills that we nee. We seek young people who are willing to learn, self-motivated and focussed on learning.” 
Martin Collins, department leader at P&G, added: “We put our apprentices on the job from day one.”
One current apprentice is a former head girl who exchanged the traditional path to a top university for the opportunity to take an engineering apprenticeship with Procter & Gamble. 
Emily Hamlin, 17, from Horndon, say the decision is the best she has made in her life. 
A top pupil and head girl at St Clere’s School in Stanford-le-Hope, Emily persued the normal A-level route at a grammar school sixth-form, after her GCSEs. She worked hard and passed her first year,  but found it very stressful. 
She said: “There was too much pressur to get into a top university. It was difficult to think about that while studying really hard at the same time.” 
Emily decided to change her direction and secured, the apprenticeship at P&G. 
She said “My parents were worried when I told them I was switching to an apprenticeship but I explained it would open up plenty more opportunities for me. 
“I’m now a lot happier. I’ve been interested in engineering from a young age and now I’m doing what I want to do, and already getting paid for it.”
Emily also appreciates the chance to both earn and learn in a business, rather than an academic, environment. 
She said: “Apprenticeships are a great option. P&G has given me lots of opportunities already.”