Grantham-based engineering firm, BGB, has committed to supporting the next generation of engineering talent, thanks to a partnership with West Grantham Academy.
Its partnership with the Academy will offer six students the chance to build skills in a range of areas, from manual turning and milling, to slip ring assembly – techniques that enable firms like BGB to produce cutting-edge components for the energy, transport and utilities industries.
In addition to industry-specific knowledge, they will also gain transferable skills like project management, critical thinking and creative problem-solving, delivered by the team’s engineering mentors over the course of the 12 – 18 month programme.
As well as demonstrating the potential of working in the industry, leaders of BGB’s apprenticeship programme believe initiatives like this will dispel misconceptions about the industry being ‘unskilled’ and ‘dirty’.
Instead, they will showcase the unique opportunities on offer, including the chance to operate state-of-the-art testing equipment and to be a part of tackling global challenges, like offsetting the impact of climate change through innovative engineering solutions made for wind turbines.
While the engineering industry is made up of approximately six million people, a significant 18% of the UK’s working population, experts at the Engineering Council and critics of Labour’s ambitious Industrial Strategy believe that new talent, and engineering skills, are needed more than ever.
Despite the demand, and ambitious plans to propel forward industries like engineering and manufacturing, a recent report revealed that 81% of businesses in the market still find it hard to secure the right candidate. Making programmes like this critical to the future success of the sector and the wider UK economy.
Beyond its West Grantham Academy partnership, BGB has also worked with institutions like Lincoln College, Grantham College, Priory Academy and The Kings School, offering work experience opportunities, T-level work placements and delivering careers talks to community groups, parents and members of local council to help narrow the skills gap.
Leading BGB’s apprenticeship programme is production manager Nathan Flower. Talking about the role that BGB plays in delivering against those industry challenges, he said:
“Next year, BGB will mark its 50th anniversary; a massive milestone in the history of our company. At the very core of the business is a purpose to attract and develop great people. The same can be said for our apprenticeship programme.
“Over the years, we’ve seen over 30 apprentices walk through our factory doors – many of whom have developed through the ranks. Take James Wood, for example, our chief design officer who began as an apprentice back in 1996, working on the shop floor at our Grantham HQ. He was given the unique opportunity to develop his skills in our design team, surrounded by some of the best in the business; a leap of faith that eventually enabled him to head up our operations out in the United States. James is among a list of very talented individuals that have spent time at BGB and flourished, and are the result of both passion and investment from a number of stakeholders.
“We’re aware of the challenges the industry currently faces in attracting new talent. Long-standing misconceptions have made recruits hesitant to join, but we’re trying to change that. By opening our doors and leaning into our fantastic culture, working closely with local stakeholders and demonstrating the impact our work can have on the bigger picture, as well as in our local community, we’re working towards that collective goal of propelling the industry forward. I look forward to seeing where this next cohort of apprentices will go, and I thank West Grantham Academy for putting their faith in our team.”
Senior vice principal, Kirsty Kuffour, at West Grantham Academy, said:
“We are indebted to BGB for the support they have given us. Having recognised a gap in the local recruitment of apprentice engineers, we are keen to offer our students a course that secures both a level 2 qualification and the experience of working in engineering.
“The generosity of BGB in sharing their time, expertise, and facilities has provided our students with invaluable, hands-on experience and insights into the engineering field. This opportunity has greatly enriched their education and inspired many of them to pursue careers in engineering. We look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration in the future.”
BGB has been operating since 1976, designing and engineering smart rotary solutions for the renewable energy, construction, utilities and transport sectors. The family-owned business operates across key European markets like Spain, Denmark and Germany, where it is the market leader in rotary solutions for the renewable energy sector.
To find out more about BGB’s rotary solutions, visit www.bgbinnovation.com/.
