Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme
Supporting SME's by helping fund new apprentices
Helping local SMEs to secure the skills they need
We are currently partnered with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre to fund an intake of apprentices through the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme.
The Programme contributes to the funding of new apprentices in the manufacturing and transport sectors in and around the Midlands, helping local SMEs to secure the skills they need for the future.
Our 2023 cohort have completed their first year of foundation practical skills in engineering techniques and processes. Now in their second year, they are based at their employer four days a week completing a range of activities based on their job role, from design and manufacture to multi skilled maintenance of equipment. The remaining day a week they spend on site at the AMRC Training Centre.
Recruiting and training a new generation of apprentices
Since 2015 Close Brothers has successfully helped SMEs across the UK recruit and train a new generation of apprentices.
Apprenticeships can be life changing, offering people of all ages and backgrounds a high quality route to skilled employment in a range of exciting professions.
We believe the SME sector is the lifeblood of the UK economy and strongly encourage the role of apprentices in helping SMEs grow.
Insight into the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme
UK’s SMEs believe apprentices are solution to UK’s skills gap crisis
The power of apprenticeships
Leigh Worsdale, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2015
Ben Hale, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2023
Rosie Davies, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2018
Jakub Kuchta, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2020
Adrian Salatowski, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2015
Ben Siddall, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2015
Hallam Castings and Nikki Jones, Director of the AMRC training centre, discuss the value of apprentices and the difference that Close Brothers has made
A lasting, positive impact on society
Our SME Apprentice Programme is now in its ninth year and demonstrates our long established and continued commitment to help SMEs and their local communities grow, succeed and thrive.
The programme contributes to the funding of new apprentices in the manufacturing and transport sectors in and around the Midlands, helping local SMEs to secure the skills they need for the future.
Our SME Apprentice Programme partners
