Almost four years ago, the first apprentices walked through the doors of Bendalls Engineering’s newly opened Skills Academy.
Now, Margaret, Oran, Zak, Will, Ryan and Gabriel have all passed their End-Point Assessments, becoming qualified Metal Fabricators—with some already progressing into new roles and further development within the business.
Their success marks an important milestone, not only for each of them, but for the Skills Academy and everyone involved in establishing it.
Where it all began
The Bendalls Engineering Skills Academy opened in September 2022 in partnership with Lakes College, creating a dedicated environment where apprentices could combine practical training and academic learning with experience in a working engineering environment.
Margaret, Oran, Zak, Will and Ryan formed Bendalls’ first intake, while Gabriel began his training at the Academy with another local employer. When that business unfortunately ceased trading, Bendalls offered Gabriel the opportunity to continue his apprenticeship and complete the journey he had started alongside the rest of the Academy’s first cohort.
Since then, they have developed from new starters learning the fundamentals of engineering into skilled and increasingly independent professionals, gaining recognised qualifications and contributing to real projects across the business.
Building skills and confidence
Although they began their training together, each apprentice has followed their own path and faced different challenges along the way.
For Margaret, one of the biggest steps was moving from the Skills Academy onto the shop floor.
“It was a completely new experience, but I learned a lot of practical fabrication and welding skills, how jobs progress and how inspection works. I have also become more confident and more willing to voice my opinions and ask questions.”
Oran joined the programme at 16 and initially found the transition from school into the workplace difficult.
“When I moved onto the shop floor after the first year, it made me realise how important the apprenticeship was for me to grow up, succeed and have a trade behind me.”
Working on nuclear projects has also taught Oran that delivering quality work is not only about fabrication and welding, but also the final finish, attention to detail and achieving what the client expects.
For Ryan, mirror welding on a long-term project and completing his portfolio were among his biggest challenges. His experience taught him the importance of perseverance:
“Don’t just give up when you’re struggling.”
Will also feels the experience has helped him develop personally as well as professionally:
“Since starting my apprenticeship, I have become more confident and mature.”
Opportunities beyond the workshop
Throughout their apprenticeships, the group completed three residentials with The Outward Bound Trust in Eskdale, supporting the development of their confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication.
Their first residential took place when they were still finding their feet. By their third and final visit, they were able to reflect on how far they had come and what they wanted to achieve next.
Will said he took away “resilience, teamwork and communication,” while Oran highlighted determination and teamwork. For Ryan, the residentials helped him reflect on both the positives and negatives and approach challenges differently.
The group also completed Sprint development programmes with Sellafield Ltd, working alongside people from different businesses, roles and disciplines.
Margaret described Sprint as her favourite experience:
“I worked with a lot of new people from different disciplines and learned a lot.”
Oran also valued spending six weeks at Sellafield, while Will and Ryan highlighted visiting Germany through an apprenticeship exchange programme as one of their favourite opportunities. During the visit, they travelled to Markdorf and spent time with colleagues at Wälischmiller, gaining an insight into a different business, workplace and culture.
The apprentices have also used their skills to support the local community, creating planters and hanging baskets for Eden Valley Hospice and barriers for Solway Bowling Club. They have volunteered at careers fairs and open days too, sharing their experiences and helping inspire others to consider a career in engineering.
Passing their End-Point Assessments
All six have now passed their End-Point Assessments in Metal Fabrication, demonstrating the knowledge, practical skills and workplace behaviours developed throughout their training.
Passing the EPA was the achievement Margaret, Will and Ryan each said they were most proud of. For Oran, it represented “the final obstacle” between completing his apprenticeship and becoming a qualified tradesperson.
Their success reflects four years of hard work and commitment, alongside the support provided by their mentors, supervisors, colleagues, Lakes College and the Skills Academy team.
Managing Director, Sean Saunders said:
“I could not be prouder of this first cohort. They have grown from nervous new starters into confident, qualified professionals, and every one of them has shown real determination and commitment along the way. Their success is also a reflection of everyone who has helped make the Skills Academy work—our mentors, supervisors and colleagues across the business, our partners at Lakes College, and the whole Academy team. Thank you to all of them. I cannot wait to see how far these six go.”
What comes next?
While the group has completed its initial apprenticeship journey, their development is continuing.
Margaret has progressed into Bendalls’ Design Engineering Team and is working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering, beginning with her HNC and HND. Her practical experience in Metal Fabrication will provide a strong foundation as she develops her career in engineering design.
Gabriel has progressed from Metal Fabrication into Inspection and is now qualified in both disciplines. His journey also demonstrates the wider role the Skills Academy can play in supporting local apprentices when their circumstances unexpectedly change.
Will hopes to gain further experience and take on more responsibility, while Ryan would like to join the workshop team manufacturing 3m³ boxes and contribute to delivering larger contracts in the future.
As the Academy’s first cohort, Margaret, Oran, Zak, Will, Ryan and Gabriel have helped shape the experience of those following behind them. They can now share what they have learned, support newer apprentices and become the people future generations can learn from.
Their advice to those just starting; try your best, enjoy the experience, listen, and make the most of every opportunity.
Or, as Will summed it up:
“You get what you put in.”
We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved so far and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.