Hull-based engineering firm Spencer Group is expanding its commitment to developing young talent by introducing a new "buddy scheme" for its latest intake of apprentices. This year's cohort of 13 young people is the company's second-largest to date, bringing its total number of apprentices to more than 65 in seven years.

Each new apprentice will be paired with an existing apprentice to help them transition from full-time education into the world of work. This buddy system complements the company's existing mentoring programme, where each apprentice is assigned an experienced mentor to guide them through their studies.

Spencer Group, a Founding Partner of Hull's employer-led school Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC), has a strong relationship with the institution. This collaboration has created a productive pipeline of talent, with Spencer Group colleagues leading workshops, giving careers talks, and supporting employability skills training for students.

Quotes from leadership

"We’re delighted to welcome our latest cohort of apprentices," said Charlie Spencer OBE, Executive Chairman and founder of Spencer Group. "At Spencer Group we’re passionate about developing new talent and providing young people with opportunities to gain professional qualifications while learning from our experienced team of mentors."

Yvonne Moir, HR Director, added: "Our apprentices truly become part of the Spencer Group family and it’s a privilege to follow their journeys as they grow, both professionally and personally."

The company's efforts to encourage more women into the male-dominated engineering sector have seen results, with the percentage of female apprenticeship applications from Ron Dearing UTC increasing from 2% to 27%.



Apprentice perspectives

Morgan-Lee Hickingbotham, 18, is joining as an Information Communications Technician Apprentice. "I was worried about the financial cost of university and I didn’t feel ready to leave home yet, so I thought an apprenticeship was the perfect way for me to continue learning and expanding my knowledge while working and gaining hands-on experience," he said.

Jessica Dickinson, also 18, is starting her Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. "Engineering is still a male-dominated field, but that has never put me off pursuing my goals. If anything, it spurs me on to prove people wrong and show that women can do just as well, if not even better!" she stated.