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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
David Laister

UTC-co-founder Charlie Spencer OBE welcomes record-equalling apprentice intake at his engineering firm

Hull engineering business Spencer Group has welcomed 14 more apprentices from the city’s Ron Dearing University Technical College.

Spencer Group, a founding partner, has employed 42 apprentices from Hull’s employer-led school in just three years. The relationship is described as creating a productive pipeline of fresh talent for the engineering industry as well as opening up exciting and rewarding opportunities for dozens of young people.

Former students now make up a significant proportion of the company’s 300-strong workforce. The latest entry-level roles include nine in engineering, mechanical and electrical, two marketing and a scheduling apprentice.

Read more: Six more businesses on board to back Hull's expanding employer-led school

Charlie Spencer OBE, executive chairman and founder of Spencer Group, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to take on so many apprentices from Ron Dearing again this year.

“As a growing business, it’s essential we bring in and develop young talent and that’s exactly what we’re doing with these exceptional young apprentices.

“They’ve had an outstanding experience at Ron Dearing, which has prepared them for the world of work with its employer-led model of education, and now they’ll learn from excellent mentors at Spencer Group during the next stage of their development.It’s very exciting for them – and for us.”

Spencer Group, which has its headquarters at Humber Quays on Hull Marina, is a privately-owned, multi-disciplinary engineering business delivering innovative engineering and construction solutions across the UK in the rail, bridges, transport, infrastructure, materials handling, energy and industrial sectors.

Some of the Spencer Group apprentices, from left, Ellen White, Ryan Harrison, Luke Blackwood and Declan Longley. (Neil Holmes Photography)

Existing apprentices and former Ron Dearing UTC students who have completed their time help mentor the new intake each year.

All who secure permanent positions with the £70 million business are offered the chance to further their studies to at least degree level.

Harrison Ryan is looking forward to developing his skills and knowledge after joining as an engineering apprentice. He said: “It’s amazing to be here. Spencer Group is a brilliant company to work for and I can’t wait to get going.”

Ellen White, who has joined as a marketing apprentice, said: “I’m so excited to start. They look after you at Spencer Group and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Sarah Pashley, Ron Dearing principal, said: “It’s fantastic to see another 14 of our students embarking on such brilliant apprenticeships with Spencer Group.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our founding and employer partners who continue to offer these exciting career opportunities.”

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KCom commits to £100m full fibre future with huge expansion plan unveiling

Award-winning newscaster Nina Hossain to host Hull Live Business Awards

Future optimism underlined at historic Shipham Valves as business rebuilds after buy-out

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