Building Careers through Apprenticeships at Black & White Engineering

Our engineering apprenticeship programmes are designed to combine academic learning with real-world experience, allowing our team to build confidence, technical expertise, and their professional skills. Through our “One Global Team” approach, apprentices at Black & White Engineering are also supported by experienced mentors and encouraged to build careers that reflect their goals and ambitions.

This National Apprenticeship Week in the UK we are proud to spotlight four of our colleagues and the impact their apprenticeship experience is having on their personal and professional development alongside its impact on the future of Black & White Engineering.

Engineering apprenticeships in practice

Daniel Wilding, MEP Engineering Apprentice, UK

Studying: Building Services Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

“The company has a genuine family feel, which made me want to complete my apprenticeship here, as I knew I would be supported and able to develop in a positive environment. I genuinely enjoyed the culture at Black & White, so I reached out to discuss the possibility of setting up an apprenticeship.

Choosing to undertake my apprenticeship in a company with such a wide mix of people has been hugely beneficial to my development. Being exposed to different work cultures, ages, experience levels and personalities has helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Being involved in meetings and chairing electrical discussion sessions has been especially valuable to my development. These are opportunities you don’t typically get through university alone, and they’ve helped me develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. As a result, I now feel far more comfortable and confident in situations that I would previously have found intimidating.

By continuing to balance my role at Black & White alongside my university studies, I’m able to steadily build both my technical knowledge and professional skills.”

Chelsea Graham, Regional HR Administrator, UK

Studying: Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship (CIPD Certificate in People Practice)

“I joined Black & White in January 2022 as an Admin Assistant then moved to Office manager July 2022. I was made aware of an HR role within the business and asked if I was interested. I have previously done elements of HR in other companies and found it very interesting, so I decided to take the HR Administrator role and specialise in this field.

Now I am studying for my Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship, which includes the CIPD Certificate in People Practice. I find that marking time out of my diary to complete apprenticeship work really helps me to balance both my apprenticeship and hands-on work. It gives me a focused dedicated time to complete activities and Black & White have been really supportive in ensuring I have the time needed to complete my work.

I have had lots of support from my Line Manager and HR team colleagues during my apprenticeship, I have been able to ask questions and tap into their knowledge, which has helped massively throughout m apprenticeship so far.

I see myself growing at the company through continuing my learning and completing my level 5 CIPD qualification and progress within the HR field.”

Ross Simpson, Electrical Engineer, UK

Studying: BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering

“I began my career through fabrication and welding apprenticeship, developing strong hands-on engineering skills across major industrial and commercial projects. I later transitioned into electrical building services design, progressing from Junior Electrical Engineer to my current role as an Electrical Engineer, working on complex projects including airports, hospitals, and educational facilities. This blend of practical and design experience gives me a well-rounded engineering perspective, which I now apply to data centre projects at Black & White Engineering.

For my apprenticeship I am currently studying BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering. I manage this by planning, setting realistic goals, and linking my studies closely to my day-to-day engineering work.

My engineering apprenticeship has significantly improved my confidence and technical ability, as well as a professional mindset, which has shaped my approach to engineering.

Looking ahead, I aim to develop my technical expertise, take on increasing responsibility in electrical design projects and building my leadership abilities.”

Adam Holdsworth, Learning & Development Partner, UK

Studying: Learning & Development Practitioner Level 3 Apprenticeship

“After working in sales, I discovered a passion for developing people and designing learning content, which led me to transition into Learning and Development and pursue it full time.

I am currently studying a Learning & Development Practitioner Level 3 apprenticeship. For me, balancing studying with hands on work is about discipline and routine. Creating good habits allows me to manage both effectively and make the most of every learning opportunity.

I’m particularly proud of facilitating learning sessions and engaging with global teams during learning weeks and in person. It has been fulfilling to support people’s development and see how learning connects teams across various locations. The culture at Black & White Engineering is a mix of top-tier expertise and a totally down to earth, supportive team spirit that makes you feel welcome from day one.

After my apprenticeship I might look to complete my Learning & Development Level 5, the learning is never finished!”

Build your career with us

Apprenticeships at Black & White Engineering aren’t just about gaining a qualification, they’re about building a career with purpose, working on projects that support the digital world, and joining a team that’s committed to your success.

To explore career opportunities at Black & White Engineering, visit our Careers page. 

 

Copy article link and share