Hull-based engineering specialist expands M&E team with intake of apprentices

Spencer Group is continuing to develop a pipeline of young talent after taking on four new apprentices. From L-R Spencer Group’s newest intake of apprentices, Michael Ward, Johnny Reilly, Dylan McCallion and Mason Creighton.

THE Hull-based engineering specialist welcomed the newest recruits who will be working in a variety of roles across the business.

Level 3 Electrical Apprentices, Mason Creighton and Johnny Reilly, join Spencer Group’s growing M&E team which plays a vital role in delivering the business’s cross-sector proficiencies, and enhances its in-house capabilities.

The new apprentices will learn from industry experts and will work across rail, bridges, build and civil, providing in-house services to each department, which places the Group in a strong position to meet client requirements.

Mason, 18, has joined the team after completing his studies in Triple Engineering at Hull’s employer-led school Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC).

He said: “After seeing my dad working as a contractor on building sites, I knew I wanted to learn a trade as it would provide me with a stable career. I knew that an apprenticeship would be the best way for me to learn whilst starting to earn. 

“I was attracted to join Spencer Group in particular because of the wide variety of interesting projects they are involved with and the opportunity to gain further qualifications in future.

“My goal for the future is to work my way up into a managerial position. I feel confident I will be able to achieve that at Spencer Group, I’ve already spoken to so many people in management roles here who started out as an apprentice just like me, so that is really inspiring.”

Spencer Group has also taken on two new Engineering Apprentices, Michael Ward and Dylan McCallion, who are completing their Level 4 HNC Civil Engineer and Technician qualifications.

Dylan, 18, has joined the team after completing an Engineering Diploma at Ron Dearing UTC.

He said: “I learn much better through hands-on, practical experiences rather than sitting in a classroom, so I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship.

“I was really impressed by the different projects Spencer Group does, as well as the fact they work all over the UK. I like to travel so I’m looking forward to being able to see new places.

“During my apprenticeship I’ll be rotating around all the departments which I think will help me learn a wide variety of skills as well as helping me decide what area I’d like to specialise in.”

The new Electrical Apprentices will join the M&E team, following in the footsteps of Operations Director Dan Whittle, who started at the business as an apprentice himself.

Dan began his time at Spencer Group in 2006 as an Apprentice Electrician and after completing HNC and HND courses worked his way up to becoming a Site Engineer.

He went on to complete Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and progressed through the roles of Project Engineer, Project Manager and Project Director.

Dan said: “Throughout my career the team at Spencer Group has supported me to move outside of my comfort zone, which has pushed me to develop and grow.

“I’ve also been provided with great career progression opportunities. I’ve been allowed to grow within the business, gaining experience from undertaking challenging projects and this has been made possible by having a strong support network.

“Having started my career in the same position almost 20 years ago, I know how beneficial an apprenticeship is and I’m excited to see what they achieve in the coming years.”

As a Founding Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, Spencer Group works closely with students from year 10 onwards with attendance at open events and career expos. The business also provides ongoing support including work experience; interview skills training, mock Interview practice, and professional behaviours and employability skills training.

The newest apprentices join over fifty former Ron Dearing UTC students who have taken up full time positions in Engineering, Commercial, Project Management, Design, Marketing, Planning, IT Services and Computer Programming roles.

Yvonne Moir, HR Director at Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome four new apprentices into the business this year, as part of our ongoing partnership with education provider Ron Dearing UTC.

“The college continues to provide us with a talent stream of young people, who fit our specific requirements.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the new apprentices hit the ground running, following the education and employability skills instilled in them from the moment they joined Ron Dearing.”