Apprentices land full-time roles at HC Controls

Three apprentices have secured full-time jobs at manufacturer HC Controls, in Stockton, after completing their courses with Middlesbrough College Group.

Xander Brown, Fynn Walker and Tom Spencer have been hired as panel wiremen after impressing during their Engineering T-level work placements and subsequent apprenticeships.

The trio completed a 45-month Level 3 Engineering Fitter Standard apprenticeship, earning distinctions in their assessments.

Helen Bullivant, director at HC Controls, said: “They’re all very keen to learn and they all showed willingness to learn and get involved and all fitted in well with the rest of the workshop.

“Apprenticeships are a good route for us to find the right sort of people and invest in their training, knowledge and skills.

“We have been doing apprenticeships now for a number of years and the support from Middlesbrough College Group has always been really good.

“We have now got another two apprentices going through their apprenticeships are the moment and we are looking to start someone else in September.”

Xander, 20, from Stockton, added: “I’d originally intended to do mechanical engineering, but I got a placement here and I found it a lot more interesting than what I was originally doing.

“I like the bespoke nature of the work we do here and the fact that no two days are the same – you’re always doing something different.”

Fynn, who is 21 and from Guisborough, added: “The work is varied and I really enjoy it here.

“I got plenty of support from Middlesbrough College and Northern Skills right from doing my T-levels and through my apprenticeship.” 

Tom, 22, from Billingham, added: “There’s a great atmosphere at HC Controls and everyone gets along well. 

“The support from the College and Northern Skills has definitely helped and they’ve always been there if I’ve had any questions or queries.”

HC Controls, which designs and manufactures control panels for the petrochemical and food industries, will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year and says apprenticeships are key to its growth.

Helen added: “There’s a lot to be gained from apprenticeships. You do have to invest time and money but it pays off in the end.

“We now have three really good people in our workshop who are young, enthusiastic and have a lot to offer.”

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