British Engines shines a spotlight on apprentices

A Newcastle-based engineering group is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with a series of hands-on initiatives aimed at showcasing young talent and promoting career opportunities in the industry.

British Engines has launched ‘Back to Basics’, where senior leaders will swap roles with apprentices to experience life on the factory floor. 

On Wednesday this week, six apprentices will then take on a military challenge day at the 101st Regiment Royal Artillery Army Reserve Centre in Gateshead, testing their physical and mental resilience.

The week will conclude with a celebratory breakfast event, recognising the group’s apprentices past and present. 

Richard Dodd, chief executive of the British Engines group, said: “Our apprentices are a core strength of all our businesses. 

“National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the powerful impact apprenticeships have on building lasting careers in the manufacturing and engineering industry. 

“During the week, we are not only recognising individual achievements but also reaffirming our commitment to developing a skilled, diverse workforce that drives long-term and sustainable business growth.”  

British Engines, which consists of a group of eight North East companies, including BEL Engineering and BEL Valves in Newcastle, and CMP Products in Cramlington, has trained more than 1000 apprentices since 1966.

This number includes Paul Humphreys, who started his career as a mechanical and manufacturing engineer apprentice at the age of 16 in 1990. 

After joining BEL Valves in 2003, he has now progressed to the role of chief executive.

Paul added: “Having started as an apprentice over 30 years ago, I saw first-hand the many benefits of earning while you learn and gaining vital engineering skills and experience during the early stages of my career. 

“The mentorship and practical training I received not only honed my technical skills but also equipped me with the leadership qualities that have been essential to my progression in the industry. 

“I firmly believe this model is key to developing future industry leaders and opening doors for young talent in engineering.”

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