Major Newcastle employer launches hunt for 35 new apprentices
British Engines Group is recruiting for 35 new apprentices to bring in the next generation of engineering talent.
The major North East employer, which has eight businesses that design, develop and manufacture products used around the world across a range of sectors, has launched its 2025 apprenticeship programme, to provide career opportunities for young people looking to launch their career in the industry.
The firm’s 35 apprenticeship vacancies represent a 59% increase on last year, with programmes covering engineering and business disciplines across the group. British Engines includes the companies Michell Bearings in South Shields, BEL Engineering in Newcastle and CMP Products in Cramlington.
READ MORE: Transport Secretary claims Northumberland's scrapped A1 dualling project was 'poor value for money'
READ MORE: Five North East community pubs looking for new publicans at the start of 2025
Apprentices currently account for 10% of employees across the group and the business has provided over 1,000 apprenticeships since the programme was first introduced in 1966.
Richard Dodd, chief executive officer for the British Engines Group, said: “We’re hugely proud of our reputation as one of the region’s leading apprenticeship employers and believe this latest recruitment drive is integral to our long-term business growth and demonstrates our commitment to the future of engineering locally. Apprenticeships across all levels are proven to tackle the skills gap in the North East, particularly within vital STEM subjects, whilst the opportunities it provides to young people helps support social inclusion and diversity.
“We’re dedicated to nurturing a skilled workforce from within and unearthing the next generation of engineering talent by enhancing the academic and vocational learning opportunities for our apprentices. We also feel we’re providing a long-term career pathway, with many of our former apprentices now holding senior management positions within the business. We’d urge any person across the region to consider an apprenticeship and make that crucial first step towards a long and successful future in engineering.”
Kacper Konarski, of Gateshead, joined BEL Engineering as a machining apprentice in 2022 and has since scooped two group awards in recognition of his apprenticeship achievements.
He said: “Joining the apprenticeship programme has provided me with the perfect platform to pursue a successful career in engineering. In addition to being able to earn whilst gaining invaluable hands-on experience and skills, it has also given me the unique opportunity to work on a range of exciting and innovative projects over the last few years.
“It’s the best way to combine academic qualifications with vocational training and I’d recommend an apprenticeship to any young person looking to get their foot on the career ladder.”
The 2025 apprenticeship programme will be delivered in partnership with local training providers, including Newcastle-based TDR Training, South Tyneside College Marine School and CQM Training.