British Engines has opened applications for its 2026 apprenticeship programme, offering young people across the North East the chance to start a career in engineering with one of the region’s most established apprentice employers. The Newcastle-based engineering group is inviting applications for roles starting in September, continuing its long-standing commitment to developing future engineering talent.
Founded in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1922, British Engines is a global engineering group that designs and manufactures innovative products and provides specialist services to customers worldwide. Today, the group employs around 1,200 people globally and operates across two strategic divisions, bringing together eight North East businesses, including
Michell Bearings in South Shields,
BEL Engineering in Newcastle, and
CMP Products in Cramlington.
For its 2026 intake, British Engines has 20 apprenticeship vacancies across disciplines such as engineering support technician, machining, maintenance, engineering fitter, purchasing, and metal fabrication. The programme is aimed at individuals aged 16 and above who are motivated and eager to learn, whether leaving school or college or seeking an alternative route into engineering. Apprentices will develop practical skills, embrace new technologies, and build long-term careers within the business.
Apprenticeships remain central to British Engines’ success, helping to future-proof critical skills, drive productivity, and support innovation. Many of the company’s senior leaders and technical specialists began their careers as apprentices, underlining the programme’s impact on long-term growth. All apprentices completing their training in the most recent cohort were offered permanent roles, reflecting the group’s focus on retaining and developing talent.
Hands-on experienceBritish Engines has supported over 1,000 apprentices since 1966 and continues to invest in structured learning, modern facilities, and digital training tools. Apprentices gain hands-on experience while following clear development pathways across the group’s North East businesses.
Andrew Myers, learning and development business partner and head of apprenticeships at British Engines, said: “Our apprenticeship programme continues to go from strength to strength and is truly the lifeblood of the business. While we have supported more than 1,000 apprentices over the years, we’re always evolving to ensure our training reflects the skills our business and industry need for the future. Last year we received a record 490 applications, and we expect interest to be just as high again from young people looking to earn while they learn and build a fulfilling, long-term career in engineering.”
Jac Gardner, chief people officer at British Engines, added: “Apprenticeships are critical to our ongoing growth. They boost productivity, drive innovation, and remove many of the financial barriers associated with higher education, making engineering careers accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds. One in ten of our employees is currently undertaking an apprenticeship, and many of our senior leaders started their careers in this way. We will continue to invest in apprenticeships as a cornerstone of our strategy, offering rewarding careers within a culture of continuous learning.”