British Engines Group has welcomed 29 new apprentices across its North East businesses to help build sector skills, drive business growth and nurture the next generation of engineering talent across the region.
The apprentices, aged 16–23, beat a record 490 applicants to secure their place and will now embark on a four-year programme, training in roles including machining, maintenance, design and purchasing.
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This year’s cohort also includes an additional six apprentices from Union Electric Steel in Gateshead following its recent closure, providing opportunities for its apprentices to continue their learning. Four of the apprentices will be located at Michell Bearings in South Shields and two will complete their apprenticeships at BEL Engineering.
British Engines is one of the region’s longest-serving apprenticeship employers and continues to play a leading role in reducing the skills gap and increasing social mobility. Around one in ten employees across the group are currently undertaking an apprenticeship, with the business having provided more than 1,000 apprenticeships since the programme was first introduced in 1966.
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Leading the apprenticeship scheme is Andrew Myers, the group’s learning and development business partner. Previously product development manager at Rotary Power, Myers oversees the design, delivery and reporting of apprenticeship programmes across the group’s businesses. His focus will be on using technology to enhance training experiences and ensure apprentices have clear progression pathways within the group.
In addition to the new apprentice intake, British Engines is supporting 16 existing members of staff to undertake apprenticeships as part of its personal professional development programme, including standards such as purchasing, manufacturing, quality, product design development engineer, and a team leader programme for new or future managers.
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‘We’re really proud of our reputation as one of the region’s leading apprenticeship employers and believe this autumn’s record intake reflects our continued investment in the future of engineering talent,’ Myers said. ‘Our new cohort represents a diverse group of talented individuals who are eager to learn, innovate and contribute to the success of our eight businesses across the group. We’ve worked hard to elevate the programme so that it not only delivers hands-on experience but also gives apprentices access to new technologies, digital learning tools and structured development pathways.’
British Engines’ apprenticeship programmes commencing in 2026 are now open. More information can be found here.