Developing highly skilled engineers has become increasingly important as advanced manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, and WEC Group is celebrating two decades of investment in the workforce behind modern UK manufacturing.
The WEC Engineering Academy has reached its 20th anniversary after training more than 430 apprentices since launching in 2006. Originally established to address shortages in welding, fabrication and engineering, the Academy has evolved alongside the business, preparing apprentices for careers across a wide range of manufacturing disciplines.
As manufacturers adopt increasingly sophisticated production technologies, the demand for technically capable engineers continues to grow. WEC recognised this challenge early, creating an employer-led apprenticeship programme that combines practical workshop experience with classroom learning and mentoring.
The approach has helped support substantial business growth, with WEC Group expanding from 136 employees in 2006 to more than 1,150 today. More than 200 apprentices have joined the business in the past five years, while around 130 are currently progressing through apprenticeship programmes across the Group’s UK manufacturing sites.
Steve Hartley, Managing Director of WEC Group, says investing in people has been fundamental to the company’s long-term success.
"When we launched the Academy in 2006, it was because we could see that the industry needed a different approach to skills. We were struggling to find enough skilled people, so we decided to invest in young people, train them properly and give them a real career. Twenty years later, the Academy has become one of the best decisions we have ever made as a business. It has helped WEC grow, but more importantly it has changed lives and created opportunities for hundreds of people.
Manufacturing has a huge future in the UK, but only if companies are prepared to invest in people. The WEC Engineering Academy proves what can be achieved when industry takes responsibility for developing skills. Our aim now is to keep building on that legacy and continue developing the next generation of world-class engineers. "
Manufacturing has a huge future in the UK, but only if companies are prepared to invest in people. The WEC Engineering Academy proves what can be achieved when industry takes responsibility for developing skills. Our aim now is to keep building on that legacy and continue developing the next generation of world-class engineers. "
Steve Hartley
Managing Director
Training is centred around real manufacturing environments, with apprentices developing practical skills alongside classroom learning and mentoring from experienced engineers. Welding and fabrication remain at the heart of the programme, supported by specialist training in machining, technical engineering, IT, marketing and business administration.
The Academy has also expanded alongside the business. Following its launch in Lancashire, additional training centres have opened at WEC Group companies in Rotherham and Coventry, while a purpose-built training facility in Blackburn has significantly increased apprentice capacity.
Kris Mercer, Academy Manager and CSWIP Master Welding Instructor, says watching apprentices develop into skilled professionals remains the most rewarding part of the programme.
"The most rewarding part of the Academy is seeing apprentices arrive with potential and leave as confident, skilled tradespeople. Many of them come to us straight from school, and over the years we watch them develop not only their technical ability, but their confidence, discipline and pride in their work. The Academy has produced supervisors, managers and highly skilled engineers who are now helping train the next generation."
Kris Mercer
Academy Manager and CSWIP Master Welding Instructor
The Academy’s commitment to quality has recently been recognised by Ofsted, with inspectors awarding “Significant Progress” across every monitored area. The report highlighted the Academy’s ambitious curriculum, experienced instructors and strong learner support.
Beyond supplying skilled welders and fabricators to WEC Group, the Academy has also supported wider industry by helping retain engineering talent within UK manufacturing and promoting careers in welding through schools, colleges and community initiatives.
After two decades of investment, the Academy stands as a practical example of how manufacturers can help close the industry’s skills gap by developing talent from within.
Shape the future of manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing relies on talented engineers, and WEC Group is always looking for the next generation of skilled apprentices to join its growing team.
From welding and fabrication to machining, technical engineering and business support, the WEC Engineering Academy provides the training, experience and career progression needed to succeed in modern manufacturing.
If you’re ready to launch your career with one of the UK’s leading engineering companies, now is the perfect time to apply.