BGEN, a leading engineering firm based in Warrington, is making headlines in the local community by announcing their ambitious plan to hire 20 new apprentices in 2022. This initiative comes as a part of the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent and addressing the skills gap in the engineering industry.
The recent National Apprenticeship Week served as the perfect backdrop for BGEN to shine a spotlight on their existing apprentices and celebrate their contributions to the company and the local economy. The firm, specializing in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation, hosted a vibrant early careers conference at their Centre Park location, bringing together over 60 apprentices for a day of learning and networking.
During the conference, apprentices engaged in insightful discussions on various topics, including mental wellbeing, health and safety, and sustainability. These conversations not only provided valuable knowledge to the attendees but also underscored BGEN’s holistic approach towards nurturing well-rounded professionals.
Jenny Jackson, a dedicated training officer at BGEN, emphasized the significance of apprenticeships as a gateway to fulfilling employment. She highlighted the unique benefits of gaining real-world experience while earning a salary, making apprenticeships an attractive option for individuals looking to kickstart their careers in engineering. Jackson also expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to investing in the growth and development of their apprentices, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship between the apprentices and BGEN’s clients.
BGEN’s investment in apprenticeships has yielded remarkable success stories, one of which is Ian McWha, the current managing director of the Technology Strategic Business Unit. McWha, who started his journey as an apprentice at BGEN back in 1997, credits his hands-on experience and on-the-job learning for shaping his successful career trajectory within the company. Reflecting on his personal growth since completing his apprenticeship 24 years ago, McWha encourages aspiring professionals to consider apprenticeships as a valuable and rewarding pathway to long-term career success.
Joining the ranks of BGEN’s thriving apprentice community is Megan Thomas, a commercial assistant and Level 4 construction quantity surveyor. Thomas expressed her gratitude towards BGEN and her mentors for providing unwavering support throughout her apprenticeship journey. She emphasized how the skills and knowledge gained through her apprenticeship have paved the way for exciting career prospects and personal growth.
As a firm with a workforce of 1,500 spread across 14 locations in the UK, BGEN has significantly expanded its apprenticeship academy to accommodate more than 100 apprentices. This proactive approach underscores the company’s dedication to fostering talent and creating sustainable career pathways for the next generation of engineering professionals. With at least 5 percent of its workforce benefiting from apprenticeships and graduate programs, BGEN continues to set a gold standard in supporting skills-based learning opportunities for young individuals entering the engineering field.
In conclusion, BGEN’s steadfast commitment to apprenticeship programs not only reflects their investment in the future of the engineering industry but also underscores their dedication to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for young talent to thrive. As the company gears up to welcome 20 new apprentices in 2022, the stage is set for a new wave of aspiring engineers to embark on a journey of growth, learning, and career success within the dynamic world of engineering.
