24/7 Emergency Call-Out

Shenton Logo

The Launch of The Shenton Group Apprenticeship Programme: Investing in the Next Generation of Engineers

The Future is Now

Earlier this year, we announced one of the most significant investments in Shenton Group’s 40-year history, more than doubling our operational footprint at our Andover HQ and laying the foundations for our plans to create a Centre of Technical Excellence.

While the expansion has created additional capacity for future growth, it has also enabled us to make another important investment: developing the next generation of engineering talent.

The launch of the Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Programme is the first step in that journey. Supported by training through the Shenton Group Academy, it creates opportunities for aspiring engineers to learn, earn, grow, and build rewarding careers within the industry.

Why Engineering Apprenticeships Matter

According to the Engineers 2030 report published by the National Engineering Policy Centre in November 2025, the UK engineering sector faces a severe shortfall in emerging talent, requiring more than 173,000 new workers annually through to 2030.

Nearly 20% of current engineers are near retirement age, and with 75% of employers struggling to recruit due to rapid technological shifts and a weak talent pipeline, critical infrastructure and modern manufacturing pipelines face project delays and capacity constraints.

But the challenge extends beyond simply replacing retiring engineers. The report highlights how engineers will play an “urgent and pivotal role in sustainable growth, technological development, and environmental regeneration” by 2030. As industries continue to evolve and new technologies emerge, developing the next generation of skilled engineers has never been more important.

It also states that “The UK urgently needs a coherent, spatial-temporal approach to aligning skills development with national needs.”

The future workforce won’t appear on its own. It must be developed, nurtured, and supported. That’s why the launch of our first apprenticeship programme is such an important milestone for Shenton Group.

We believe that all businesses have an important role to play in developing the talent of tomorrow. From work experience placements to apprenticeships, we’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities for people at the start of their careers.

This commitment extends beyond engineering roles and into other areas of the business, providing opportunities for young people to gain valuable workplace experience and explore potential career paths.

In July 2026, we shared the story of Zenia C, who joined our marketing team for her work experience week. The placement offered her a first-hand insight into life at Shenton Group and the wider world of marketing and graphic design. While work experience and apprenticeships serve different purposes and offer different experiences, both play an important role in helping young people explore careers, develop skills, and gain confidence in the workplace.

Learning While Earning Throughout Your Engineering Apprenticeship

A career in engineering is about more than gaining qualifications. It’s about developing practical electrical and mechanical skills, learning from experienced professionals, and building the confidence needed to solve real-world challenges.

The Shenton Group Apprenticeship Programme has been designed to provide exactly that. It combines hands-on experience with formal training, which gives apprentices the opportunity to develop the required skills while working alongside experienced engineers on live projects.

As part of the programme, apprentices will work towards recognised qualifications whilst gaining valuable industry experience. They’ll also benefit from mentorship, knowledge sharing, and exposure to the technologies and systems that keep critical infrastructure running across the UK.

For those looking to build a long-term career in engineering, the Engineering Maintenance Technician (Level 3) apprenticeship offers a clear pathway for development, allowing apprentices to learn, earn, and grow in a friendly and supportive business.

Training will mainly take place at Shenton House, Andover, where apprentices will work alongside our experienced engineers and learn to maintain and service critical power systems, generators, UPS and CHP.

The programme is just one part of Shenton Group’s wider commitment to developing future talent. Supported by our Hampshire headquarters expansion, plans for a future Centre of Technical Excellence, and our existing Tech Hub and Test Cell facilities, apprentices will have access to an environment designed to support continuous learning and professional growth.

Applications for the first cohort of apprentices are now open. You can submit your application here.

Powering Future Careers in Andover

The Engineering Maintenance Technician (Level 3) Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain recognised qualifications, learn from experienced engineers, and develop the skills needed for a successful career in an industry that will play a vital role in reshaping a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Applications for the inaugural intake of apprentices close on 30th August.

Interested candidates can learn more about the role and apply via the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship service or by clicking the button below.

Learn More and Apply

Our Latest News

    See All News