Merit boosts team with apprentice drive

A construction and digital manufacturing firm has bolstered its team.

Merit has welcomed 18 apprentices to its Cramlington factory.

The company has recruited ten multi-skilled engineering learners through Northumberland College, with a further eight electrical apprentices arriving via Northumberland Skills.

Bosses say the cohort means Merit’s apprenticeship programme – launched more than a decade ago – now boasts 95 participants.

Known for delivering technically complex facilities for the healthcare, biotech, pharmaceutical, education and battery tech sectors, Merit’s portfolio includes Berwick’s new £35 million community hospital.

It also includes a therapy-led rehabilitation unit at Norwich Community Hospital and a diagnostic hub at Woking Community Hospital.

Abby Campbell, an electrical apprentice, said: “When the opportunity came to start an apprenticeship at Merit, I jumped at the chance.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity; not only am I a female entering a male-dominated industry, but I am also older than the average apprentice.

“To be able to learn from some exceptional mentors is an amazing experience.”

April Twentyman, HR manager, added: “Apprentices are valuable members of our team, and each of them will contribute towards the long-term growth and success of the company.”

Iain Nixon, vice principal – partnership and business solutions at Northumberland College, said Merit’s latest intake highlights the value of industry collaboration to meet skills demands.

He said: “The new cohort of engineering technician apprentices are now working in an organisation that will support them to gain the essential technical skills they need to embark on successful careers.”

Alyn Carr, head of curriculum at Northumberland Skills, which works on behalf of Northumberland Council, added: “We’re thrilled to see our apprentices take this next step with Merit.

“Together, we’re helping to build a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the modern construction industry.”

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