Spencer Group grows workforce with 14 more apprentices from employer-led school
GIVING YOUTH A CHANCE: Charlie Spencer OBE, Executive Chairman and founder of Spencer Group, with Yvonne Moir, HR Director at Spencer Group, left, and Sarah Pashley, Principal of Ron Dearing UTC, right, and 14 new Spencer Group apprentices
By Rick Lyon
Engineering business Spencer Group has continued to grow its workforce by taking on 14 more talented apprentices from Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC).
Spencer Group, which is one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, has employed 42 apprentices from Hull’s employer-led school in just three years.
The relationship between the school and one of Hull’s leading businesses has created 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 Ron Dearing UTC students now make up a significant proportion of the company’s workforce of more than 300 directly-employed staff.
NEW STARTERS: From left, Spencer Group apprentices Ellen White, Harrison Ryan, Luke Blackwood and Declan Longley
The latest entry-level roles include nine Engineering Apprentices, one Mechanical Apprentice, one Electrical Apprentice, two Marketing Apprentices and one Scheduling Apprentice.
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.
CAN’T WAIT TO GET GOING: Harrison Ryan
“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.
The business employed 14 apprentices from Ron Dearing UTC three years ago, followed by a further five two years ago and nine last year, with many more planned for future intakes.
Yvonne Moir, HR Director at Spencer Group, said: “We’re very excited to welcome 14 new apprentices and we’re so impressed with them already.
LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING STUCK IN: Ellen White
“Our previous apprentices have proven to be of a really high standard and we have no doubt the latest intake will also become valuable additions to Spencer Group.
“We became involved with the UTC at the beginning because we wanted access to a pipeline of talented young people who would develop their careers with us. Those hopes have come to fruition and our original apprentices are now excelling in permanent roles.
“There’s no doubt that the education and employability skills instilled in students from the moment they join Ron Dearing UTC help them to hit the ground running with us as work-ready employees.”
Existing apprentices and former Ron Dearing UTC students who have completed their apprenticeships with Spencer Group help mentor the new intake each year.
ECSTATIC: Luke Blackwood
This year’s Engineering Apprentices will rotate around various departments before heading out on site to work on projects across the UK, while the Mechanical and Electrical Apprentices have already started work on site.
Every apprentice who secures a permanent position with Spencer Group is offered the chance to further their studies to degree level and possibly complete a master’s degree.
Harrison Ryan is looking forward to developing his skills and knowledge after joining Spencer Group 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.”
EXCITED: Declan Longley
Luke Blackwood has also joined as an Engineering Apprentice.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” he said. “Ron Dearing was a brilliant experience. All the teachers push you to be the best you can and they treat you like an adult, which really helps the transition to the world of work.”
Fellow Engineering Apprentice Declan Longley added: “I’m really excited to be starting and to learn more about the business and the industry.”
Sarah Pashley, Principal of Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated Ron Dearing UTC, 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.”