The newly created role is part of the company’s strategic growth plan and will increase focus on lifelong learning and managing the industry skills gap.

Geoff, who joined the business in March 2023, will lead learning and development efforts across the entire group under The EJ Academy banner.

The EJ Academy programme is designed to support upskilling and reskilling and provides comprehensive learning opportunities from apprentice to boardroom. It delivers training across disciplines to develop the multi-skilled engineers of the future. It also supports the embedding of company processes, bringing together efforts to shape and reinforce the company’s culture.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark Longley, corporate services director at Edwin James Group, said: “Learning and development plays a key role in our ambition to set a new standard in the UK engineering services sector. As we grow, it’s important that we have the right training and processes in place to ensure that all colleagues have the same experience and can make the most of the opportunities that the group can offer.

“We have a commitment to nurturing talent from within, and Geoff’s appointment reflects his outstanding contributions since joining the company.”

Geoff Bruce added: “This role is an opportunity to build on the values that drew me to Edwin James Group in the first place. Fostering a welcoming environment, bridging the skills gap, and nurturing talent from within all speak to what matters most to me: creating a company where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to excel.”