BEL Valves has its own long-standing apprenticeship programme which offers practically-oriented school leavers the opportunity to work on a world class product range, using the most advanced manufacturing equipment.
On average up to 10 people are hired direct from school each year, including a growing number of female apprentices, and are normally offered permanent jobs with the company at the end of the 3-4 year training programme.
Apprentices are offered structured training which includes support in successfully completing further education qualifications up to degree level.
You can find out more about the BEL Valves’ apprenticeship scheme by reading the relevant Career profiles, and/or e-mailing recruitment@bel.co.uk for more information.
Centre of excellence for Oil and Gas and subsea engineering
BEL Valves invest heavily in their most valuable asset, their people, and for many years have created an outstanding environment for learning.
Engineering Apprentices are involved in developing their Key Skills, traditionally through NVQ study. But, uniquely, they also develop other important skills such as teamwork and personal development through a series of residential courses.
The business has been instrumental in the development of the Subsea Foundation Degree offered by Newcastle College and the Subsea Engineering and Management Masters Degree at Newcastle University. BEL Valves’ training and development is intrinsically linked with its business strategy and, as such, employees are encouraged to continue their studies into higher education.
BEL Valves have a dedicated training programme
Although a global business employing over 900 people worldwide, BEL Valves is committed to manufacturing in the UK and to maintaining the North East’s rich industrial heritage along the way.
As part of her apprenticeship and ongoing professional development, Faye Henry pays regular visits to local schools, giving presentations about working in the world of engineering. She is part of a BEL Valves team that works to inspire local workers, attract talent and educate young people about the various outstanding engineering opportunities that BEL Valves can offer – all available right on their doorstep.
The BEL Valves apprenticeship scheme has been running since 1966 and has helped over 600 young people kick-start their careers. Phil Wood, Sales Manager at CMP started his engineering apprenticeship in 1984.
Having stayed with the company ever since, he says the scheme taught him not only the technical skills he needed to succeed in his job, but also the all round maturity, responsibility and people skills that enabled him develop personally as well as professionally.
This is important to BEL Valves. Our apprenticeship scheme is designed to be a unique opportunity for everyone, not just engineers.
Personal Development
As part of our apprenticeship programme the Company looks to provide opportunities to broaden our apprentice training beyond skills and qualifications to include aspects of personal development.
The company selects a number of apprentices to attend a residential development programme run by Brathay, for further details visit : www.brathay.org.uk.
The residential week usually happens around June time every year and the purpose is to give our apprentices the chance to build on personal areas such as:
- Team Building
- Lifeskills
- Problem solving
- Communication
Apprentice Opportunities
BEL Valves has a number of apprenticeship opportunities for intake in September of each year. However we are also looking to recruit apprentices whose career ambitions and potential will lead to training in Design, Projects, Production and Manufacturing Engineering.
Many of our previous apprentices have achieved significant results in their training and academic studies. A number have gone on to develop careers in engineering and production with some now occupying significant roles in our company.
Download applications forms from the TDR website at www.tdrtraining.co.uk or contact Chris Savage by e-mail, christine.savage@bel.co.uk for further information.