The largest ever intake of apprentices taken on by engineering specialist Spencer Group have all now secured full-time positions with the company.
Two years ago, Spencer Group, which delivers engineering and construction solutions in the bridges industry, hired 14 apprentices with the full cohort coming from Hull’s employer-led school, Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC).
Mr Spencer and Ms Moir with nine of the apprentices who have secured full-time positions
Now, having completed their two-year apprenticeships, all 14 have started permanent, full-time trainee positions with the group across a range of different departments of the business.
Spencer Group has also just taken on another nine apprentices, in addition to the five that were recruited last year, meaning it has hired a total of 28 under its apprenticeship programme in just two years – all coming from Ron Dearing UTC.
Charlie Spencer OBE, executive chairman and founder of Spencer Group, said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to have taken on every single one of the apprentices we recruited two years ago in a permanent, full-time position.
‘Each of them has been selected by the specific team they are going to be working within and I think that speaks volumes about the quality of the apprentices we are hiring from Ron Dearing UTC.
‘They are all at the required academic level, have excellent technical and employability skills and, perhaps most importantly, have a brilliant attitude.’
Spencer Group said apprentices that secure permanent positions continue their academic development by studying up to degree level with one of the company’s education partners. They are also given the option of studying for a master’s degree.
HR director Yvonne Moir said: ‘The appointment of this full cohort of apprentices to permanent positions in the company is proof that this recruitment model works.
‘It is crucial for us to have a talent stream that fits the specific needs of our business and Ron Dearing UTC provides exactly that.
‘The apprentices are all prepared for the world of work when they join us and it has been amazing how quickly they have adapted to the business. It’s as though they have been working here for years.’
Spencer Group said each engineering apprentice spends time working in different areas of the business to gain a comprehensive understanding of how it operates and identify the area they are most suited to.
Alex Burr, 18 (pictured), has joined Spencer Group as an engineering apprentice as part of the latest intake.
She said: ‘Spencer Group were my number one choice company to work for when I was at Ron Dearing, so I’m really excited to be here.
'Now that I’ve started, I just can’t wait to get stuck in.’
