Lily Brothwood, Business Operations Manager at Intelect
Founded in Middlesborough in 1997 by four directors who themselves began their careers as apprentices, Intelect has always recognised the transformative potential of technical education. This belief in the value of hands-on learning led to the launch of Intelect’s apprenticeship scheme just a year after its inception, in 1998.
For us, the decision to invest in apprenticeships was both personal and strategic. The company was acutely aware of the growing skills gap in the UK engineering sector, a challenge that continues to hinder businesses’ access to qualified talent. According to data from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), nearly half of engineering firms (49%) struggle to recruit workers with the necessary skills. Through our apprenticeship program, we’ve taken proactive steps to counter this issue, ensuring we have a steady pipeline of skilled workers who are trained in the specific needs of the business.
The Benefits of Investing in Technical Education
Our apprenticeship scheme is something we’re really proud of, and it continually reinforces the company’s dedication to technical education. Just this year we were ranked by the government in its Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers rankings for 2024. By regularly bringing new talent into the business, our apprentices not only inject fresh ideas and perspectives, but also cultivate a unique workplace culture that values innovation and growth.
There are also great values to our apprentices – they have the opportunity to “earn while they learn,” gaining practical experience while receiving a salary. This approach empowers them both professionally and personally, providing a clear career path and the potential for long-term employment with the company.
The business’s commitment to its apprentices doesn’t end with their initial training. We embrace a ‘train to retain’ ethos, offering a clear progression path that encourages apprentices to take on more responsibilities as they advance in their careers. This commitment to development is in our retention rate, with 54% of apprentices choosing to remain with Intelect after completing their programs. Today, over 40% of the workforce is made up of current and former apprentices, a testament to the success of the scheme and the quality of the training provided.
Even for those apprentices who choose to move on, the skills and experience they gain at during their time with us equip them to excel anywhere in the industry. This means there is a positive impact on the engineering sector more widely too.
Another positive impact has been the ties we’ve been able to establish in the local community. We’ve built relationships with educational providers and young people, through our apprenticeship offering. Over the years, training providers have grown in number and include: JTL Training, Middlesbrough College, Hartlepool College, and Teesside University. These partnerships have been instrumental in shaping the company’s apprenticeship program, providing valuable feedback and helping to identify passionate talent. Our ongoing collaboration has meant that the apprenticeship scheme remains relevant, effective, and aligned with industry needs.
Future ambitions
Looking ahead – we hope to keep reaching more people. We’re aiming to expand our apprenticeship offerings to accommodate the growing demands of the engineering sector. Currently, we employ between 40 and 50 apprentices at various educational levels, from Level 2 to degree-level qualifications. As we continue to grow, we are eager to bring in more apprentices across a wider range of levels, particularly in response to the increased emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
We also offer other qualifications such as HNCs, degrees, and master’s programs, ensuring that employees have access to continuous learning and development opportunities throughout their careers.
Advice for SMEs considering technical education
For SMEs considering investing in technical education, I recommend exploring the various options available, ranging from apprenticeships to other supporting courses. It’s important to consider what best suits the needs of your business and the skills gaps you’re looking to plug – don’t wait until it’s too late.
Two recommended resources for SMEs are the Department for Education’s (DfE) Skills for Life campaign website, which provides training and employment scheme information for employers. Local training providers can also offer tailored advice and support to employers. Additionally, networks like the North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, of which Intelect is an Employer Ambassador, can provide valuable guidance and resources for businesses looking to start or enhance their apprenticeship programs.
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For those interested in learning more about how apprenticeships can benefit their business click here.
