In 2015, the British Engines Apprenticeships Scheme was awarded Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year at the North East Business Awards at Gosforth Marriott Hotel in Newcastle.
The black tie awards evening, for the Tyneside and Northumberland heat of the awards saw British Engines up against two other respected apprenticeship schemes and was delighted to scoop the award for its Apprenticeship+ scheme, which goes above and beyond what is normally expected as part of a scheme.
Attended by business across the north east, the evening celebrated the brightest, best and most inspiring companies in the region.
Richard Dodd, Chief Operating Officer at British Engines, said: “We’ve had a very forward thinking view on apprenticeships for many years; developing our own scheme to ensure we have some of the most talented engineers in the region.
“Many of our apprentices go on to have careers that take them to senior management positions within the business. Our apprenticeship scheme is key to the future success of our group. We want people in the region to realise that there are innovative, global businesses on their doorstep, which have a firm commitment to retaining talented and ambitious people here in the region.
“This award is as much the apprentices as it is the business’s.”
Representatives from Northumberland College formed the judging panel for the apprentice category which recognises companies that have implemented an apprenticeship scheme as an integral part of developing their workforce.
Jacqui Henderson CBE, Chair of Governors at Northumberland College said: “The college is absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring the apprenticeship award, there were many worthy applications but the three companies shortlisted, Bernicia, EEGR and British Engines really did shine. Apprentices are our future and all three shortlisted companies truly demonstrated their commitment to our region’s apprentices”.
The winning companies from the event will go through to the regional final together with those from the Teesside and the Durham and Wearside heats. The regional grand final will take place at Hardwick Hall on 23rd April 2015.