WEC Group has welcomed a new generation of apprentices across its sites this month, marking the start of an exciting four-year journey for those beginning their careers in engineering.
At the WEC Engineering Academy in Blackburn, 11 new apprentices have joined the programme, where they will begin developing practical skills and technical knowledge across welding and fabrication, and technical production engineering.
The new starters are also being welcomed across the wider WEC Group, with apprentices joining MTL Advanced in Rotherham, Sherburn Metalwork in Yorkshire, 5750 Components in Knowsley and HTA in Coventry.
Founded in 2006, the WEC Group Engineering Academy is one of the only apprenticeship schemes of its type in the UK. Over the past 20 years, the Academy has helped hundreds of young people develop the skills and experience needed to build successful careers within the engineering industry.
Apprentices benefit from a combination of hands-on training, classroom learning and real-world experience, working alongside experienced engineers across WEC Group’s businesses. The Academy is also one of only a few TWI certified welder training centres in the Northwest, with training delivered to high international standards.
Throughout their apprenticeships, learners also have the opportunity to get involved in exciting projects outside their usual training. Previous community projects have included creating a 5ft stainless steel statue celebrating LS Lowry, restoring a replica weathervane for a local church and producing a research space rocket for Starchaser Industries.
The Academy also supports apprentices in developing their skills through competitions and awards, including the prestigious WorldSkills UK competition. WEC Group’s welding and fabrication apprentices have achieved gold medals for three consecutive years, alongside silver, bronze and Highly Commended awards.
As the newest members of the WEC Group team begin their apprenticeships, they are joining a growing organisation where there are opportunities to learn, develop and build a long-term career in engineering.
We wish all of our new apprentices the very best as they begin this exciting next chapter!
