Skip links

National Apprenticeship Week

A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy

Meet Some of Our Apprentices

Find out more about the people who have started their careers with the Shepley Group as apprentices in engineering, manufacturing and business roles.

Kylan Thompson

Level 3 Machining Technician

Cara Astley

Level 3 Pipe Welder

Archie Baines

Level 3 Metal Fabricator

Tom Nicholson

Level 3 Electrician

Georgie Huddart

Level 2 Finance Assistant

Ethan Harris

Level 3 Metal Fabricator

Life Beyond Apprenticeships

Completing an apprenticeship is a fantastic achievement and with hard work and commitment you could land yourself a great career, giving yourself lots of potential prospects. We look at some of our employees who started their career as apprentices, what it taught them and where they are today.

Simon Kidson

Senior Project Engineer, PPS Electrical

Conor Skinner

Mechanical Chargehand, Sellafield

Emily Branthwaite

Trainee Training Co-Ordinator

Finding the ideal apprenticeship

Trying to work out where you want your career to go is a big decision to make at a young age, it can be a daunting and challenging task. We have compiled a list of our current apprenticeships to see which resonate most with you.

Remember these key things to consider when researching apprenticeship vacancies:

  • Think about your own interests – What are you passionate about and what kind of job would get you out of bed in the morning?
  • What are you good at? – What do you really excel at? If you’ve already got a transferable skill or talent, this could easily be translated across to an apprenticeship.
  • Make sure you know what you’re applying for – Read the job description and job advert to see what experience the apprenticeship will offer
  • Research – Look up the training provider(s) that will be offering the classroom based learning, such as reviewing their Ofsted rating. It’s also good to research the employer and benefits they offer
  • Online career tests – If you’re still unsure on an industry or trade, consider trying a career placement test. Here you’ll answer a series of questions and be matched with some suggested roles.

A mechanical fitter is the engineering specialist responsible for putting together machine parts, installing, maintaining and repairing plants and equipment. Mechanical fitting involves assembling parts made from metals or other materials to create production equipment and machinery, working to very fine tolerances and as detailed on engineering drawings and specifications.

A plater is a specialist metal worker who shapes metal for applications such as steel structures, tanks, vessels, brackets, supports and component parts, from detailed engineering drawings, using a variety of equipment and techniques.

Platers often work with welders assembling component parts and are required to work with a range of different metals such as steel, stainless steel and aluminium.

A pipefitter installs, repairs and maintains piping systems using hand and power tools. They read engineering drawings and specifications for fabricating and or installing industrial piping systems.

The systems can be assembled from a variety of metal or nonmetal pipes, fittings, and components (valves), using threaded, soldering, welded, glued, or cemented joints. The systems are installed and supported on brackets, clamps and hangers.

Riggers install and dismantle plant steel structures and components by lifting, moving and positioning loads on engineering construction projects. The loads are lifted with a variety of different accessories used to connect the load to the lifting equipment which could be a fixed or mobile crane or other lifting system.

Riggers work to engineering drawings and lifting plans to ensure all lifts are carried out safely and without damage to the components.

Welders join metal components using a variety of welding processes and techniques in line with specifications and approved welding procedures. The components could be structural steel, piping systems, vessels, tanks or other components that require joining by welding.

Welder’s work with a range of metals including carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium. A welder work is often subjected to non-destructive testing (NDT) to confirm it meets the quality requirements.

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems including power, heating, lighting, security systems and others. Typical tasks may include maintenance, fault finding, repairs and installation of systems such as lighting, panels and alarms.

Business administrators handle day-to-day tasks to ensure a business runs smoothly. It is a vital part of any organisation. Typical tasks may include providing office support, assisting with data and organising and maintaining files.

Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs. Typical tasks may include assessing if client’s plans are feasible, negotiating contracts, writing regular reports on costs and preparing accounts for payment.

Cost Engineers manage project cost – budgeting, planning and monitoring investment projects. This involves estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, investment appraisal and risk analysis.

The project manager is responsible for day-to-day management of a project and must be competent in managing scope, schedule, finance, risk, quality and resources. Typical tasks include managing what work needs doing, by who and by when; the risks involved and managing these risks; making sure the work is done to the right standard; ensuring the project is running on time and delivers expected outcomes.

2025 intake.

The application window for our 2025 Apprentice Intake has now closed.