16-02-2025
Engineering firm to recruit 20 more apprentices this year
BGEN, an engineering company based in Warrington, has celebrated its apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week.
The company, which deals in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation, has committed to recruiting 20 more apprentices this year.
Wrapping up the week, BGEN, based in Centre Park, hosted its largest early careers conference to date, aimed at helping apprentices enhance their skills and knowledge for a fulfilling career.
The event saw more than 60 apprentices come together to learn and celebrate their contributions to the company and the local economy.
Discussions were held on topics such as mental wellbeing, health and safety, and sustainability.
Jenny Jackson, training officer at BGEN, said: "An apprenticeship can be such a rewarding route into employment, offering real on-the-job experience and earning while learning.
"BGEN strives to address the skills gap and encourage more people into engineering.
"We will continue to invest significantly in our apprentices and support them as they develop a skill set which will benefit both themselves and our clients."
BGEN is committed to creating rewarding career paths for apprentices.
One success story is that of Ian McWha, who started as an apprentice with the firm in 1997 and is now the managing director of the Technology Strategic Business Unit.
Ian McWha (Image: Supplied) Mr McWha said: "The hands-on experience I gained through my own apprenticeship was invaluable.
"Learning on the job was the best way for me to develop new skills that opened up a long and successful career path at BGEN.
"I'm proud of what I have achieved since completing my apprenticeship 24 years ago and I would recommend this as a very worthwhile route for others."
Megan Thomas, a commercial assistant and Level 4 construction quantity surveyor, joined BGEN in 2022.
She said: "BGEN and my mentors have been incredibly supportive throughout my apprenticeship journey.
"My apprenticeship has helped me get to where I am today and I'm excited about my future career prospects thanks to the skills I'm acquiring."
The company, which employs 1,500 people across 14 UK locations, has expanded its apprenticeship academy, now supporting more than 100 apprentices.
At least 5 per cent of its workforce benefit from skills-based learning opportunities as apprentices and graduates.
