In 2021, apprentices accounted for 10% of the workforce, and the organisation committed to increasing this to 15% within two years. Following the expansion of the programme, the figure now stands at 16% of the Edwin James Group workforce across Musk Process Services, Parker Technical Services and Peak Technology Solutions.

Following the success, Edwin James is now building on its existing programme to support more young people into engineering careers. Working with local schools the company is planning to introduce Foundation Level apprenticeships for 15 - 18-year-olds and to increase the number of graduate apprenticeships.

In addition, Edwin James is taking part in a pilot Careers Pathway programme in North Lanarkshire. The programme, for children at S2 level, seeks to inspire future career choices and inform them about the different pathways available.

Commenting on the developments, Robert Molloy, managing director of Parker Technical Services, Scotland, said: “Apprentices are vital to the future growth of the Edwin James Group. We’re very proud of the success of our existing scheme, and expanding support out to schools and graduates is the next logical step.

“In an industry that faces a severe skills gap, educating young people on the exciting and varied opportunities that a career in engineering can offer is vital. At Edwin James, we believe in developing talent from within, and many of our senior managers and board members started their career with an apprenticeship.”

Edwin James Group said it is committed to developing talent and through the EJ Academy, provides opportunities for lifelong learning and the upskilling and reskilling of all staff. Following the launch of the first EJ Academy Hub in 2020, the business launched a second training academy in 2021 and a new digital academy in 2023.