British Engines Group has launched its 2025 apprenticeship programme to provide vital career opportunities to the next generation of North East engineering talent.
The Newcastle-based engineering group is one of the region’s longest serving apprenticeship employers and is now welcoming applications from young people looking to kickstart their career in the industry.
The firm has 35 live apprenticeship vacancies available on its 2025 programme, representing a 59% increase on the previous year. The apprenticeships will span engineering and business disciplines across its group of eight North East companies, including Michell Bearings in South Shields, BEL Engineering in Newcastle and CMP Products in Cramlington.
About one in 10 factory employees across the group is an apprentice, with the business having provided more than 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.”
One local apprentice to have benefited greatly from the British Engines Group apprenticeship programme is Kacper Konarski from Gateshead. He joined BEL Engineering as a machining apprentice in 2022 and has since scooped two major group awards in recognition of his many apprenticeship achievements.
Kacper 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 while 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.
