Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) has shown its commitment to supporting local apprenticeships on its Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) in Cramlington, where ten apprentices are working in mechanical and electrical roles.

Balfour Beatty employs over 200 apprentices, with more than 50 of these completing the mechanical and electrical apprenticeship programme. Balfour Beatty is also a member of 'The 5% Club', an industry-led initiative focused on ensuring that at least 5% of our workforce is engaged in a formalised apprenticeship or sponsored or full time education within five years.

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During National Apprenticeship Week last week, Balfour Beatty pledged 68 new apprenticeship places to continue its commitment to recruit and develop the engineers, electricians and skilled trades-people of the future.

In completing a craft apprenticeship with BBES, these young mechanical and electrical engineers are given the opportunity to work in a variety of sectors, from major hospitals to universities and commercial projects. A craft apprenticeship provides skills and experience in installing circuits, wiring, heating and ventilation, backed by academic training.

Alex Martin, a first year electrical apprentice, working on the hospital, said: "Since joining the BBES apprenticeship programme I have worked with a variety of people who have many years' experience in the industry and I've learned a great deal from them. This has helped me develop my skills as an engineer starting out.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my role with BBES, working with some of the best people in the industry and look forward to seeing the completion of the NSECH. This gives me great pride in my work."

(CD/JP)