Electro-mechanical engineer Houghton International is proud to announce its largest-ever intake of apprentices and trainees in its 39-year history, underscoring its confidence in growth across all their key sectors, especially renewable energy.
This significant milestone reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent and contributing to the growth of engineering and manufacturing within the Northeast.
A global leader in its field, Houghton International has moved into servicing and life extending renewable energy assets, in particular wind turbines, as well as servicing solar wind farm power transmission and hydro electric generators.
Welcoming eight apprentices and two trainees into its team, the move underscores the company’s dedication to long term growth. This significant commitment to education and workforce development is driven by the belief that people are the company’s most valuable asset, and investing in the youth of today is paramount.
These apprentices are joining Houghton International at an exciting time when the company is making trailblazing progress in the wind industry. Houghton International became the first repairer to successfully rewind a direct-drive wind turbine, a groundbreaking achievement that has put Newcastle-Upon-Tyne firmly on the map for renewable innovation.
“We are extremely excited to welcome this enthusiastic group of apprentices and trainees into our team,” said Michael Mitten, CEO at Houghton International. “Our commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of engineers and technicians has never been stronger. By providing them with hands-on experience and structured training, we ensure they have the skills they need to excel in their careers and shape the future.
“As a former apprentice myself, I can testify to the quality of our program and the benefits of starting your career by combining skills development with formal education. It’s a fantastic grounding for any aspiring engineer to kick start their career.
“These young engineers are joining the business and industry at a pivotal moment in time. The energy transition is fuelling our growth, creating huge opportunities and demand for our specialist skills, knowledge and capabilities.”
The market leader in its field has a long history of investing in apprentices and trainees, with many of the company’s previous apprentices rising into supervisory and management roles within the organisation. This exemplifies the company’s dedication to fostering talent and creating a pathway for career growth within its team.
The apprenticeship training programs are designed to not only provide industry-specific knowledge but also foster a sense of belonging within the organisation. These programs include Level 2 qualifications in manufacturing or engineering and a Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship Programme in Engineering.
“Our award-winning apprenticeship scheme, delivered in partnership with Tyne North Training, not only results in industry-recognised academic and vocational qualifications but also opens the door to further personal development opportunities,” added Louise Costello, HR Manager at Houghton International. “Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, our apprentices can pursue HNC/HND qualifications and enjoy a clear path for career progression within Houghton International.”
Houghton International’s investment in its apprentices is a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence and the development of a highly skilled workforce. As the company continues to innovate, it recognises that the strength of its team lies in its ability to nurture new talent and equip them with the skills necessary to lead the industry into the future.