As the UK manufacturing sector continues to face an ongoing skills shortage, WEC Group is marking a significant milestone that demonstrates how long-term investment in apprenticeships can help solve one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the WEC Engineering Academy, which has trained more than 430 apprentices since opening its doors in 2006. Established to tackle the shortage of skilled welders, fabricators and engineers, the Academy has become a cornerstone of WEC Group’s continued growth while helping develop the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
When WEC launched the Academy, recruiting experienced welding and fabrication specialists had become increasingly difficult. Rather than relying solely on the external labour market, the company invested in building its own pipeline of talent through employer-led apprenticeship training.
That decision has transformed both the business and hundreds of careers. Over the past two decades, WEC Group has expanded from 136 employees to more than 1,150, with apprenticeships playing a key role in supporting that growth. More than 200 apprentices have joined the business in the last five years alone, while around one in eight employees across the Group is currently completing an apprenticeship.
Steve Hartley, Managing Director of WEC Group, believes the Academy has become one of the company’s most important investments.
"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.
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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.
Start your engineering career with WEC Group
Whether you’re leaving school, changing career or looking to begin an apprenticeship in engineering, WEC Group offers the opportunity to develop industry-leading skills through its award-winning Engineering Academy.
With hands-on training, experienced mentors and real manufacturing experience from day one, apprentices gain the knowledge and confidence needed to build a successful career in welding, fabrication and engineering.
Ready to build your future? Explore WEC Group’s latest apprenticeship opportunities and start your engineering career today.