British Engines Group has announced the induction of 29 new apprentices across its North East operations, aiming to bolster growth and cultivate engineering skills among young people in the region.
The selected apprentices, aged between 16 and 23, were chosen from a pool of 490 applicants. Over the next four years, they will train in areas such as machining, maintenance, design and purchasing, gaining practical experience across the group’s varied engineering operations.
In addition, six apprentices from the recently closed Union Electric Steel in Gateshead have joined the programme, ensuring continuity in their training. Of these, four will be based at Michell Bearings in South Shields, with the remaining two completing their apprenticeships at BEL Engineering.
Andrew Myers, learning and development business partner for the group, leads the apprenticeship initiative. He commented: “We’re really proud of our reputation as one of the region’s leading apprenticeship employers and believe this record intake reflects our continued investment in the future of engineering talent.
“Our new cohort represents a diverse group of talented individuals who are eager to learn, innovate and contribute to the success of our eight businesses across the group. We’ve worked hard to elevate the programme so that it not only delivers hands-on experience but also gives apprentices access to new technologies, digital learning tools and structured development pathways.”
This intake represents a significant step in sustaining the engineering workforce in the North East, combining practical skills development with opportunities for innovation and technological engagement.

