International engineering firm looks for home-grown talent

MacNeillie has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is now looking to attract home-grown talent across the Midlands on the back of National Apprenticeship Week to support its future growth plans.

The company was acquired by Babcock International Group (Babcock), one of the world’s leading engineering support service companies in February 2015 and over the past 20 years has recruited around 100 young engineering apprentices.

Stuart Wilkes, Head of Operations for MacNeillie, joined the company as one of its first apprentices 25 years ago, working his way up to senior management. He said: “Engineering is one of the life bloods of our economy and we’re very proud of the role we are playing in supporting the continuation of that growth for us and for Babcock by taking on even more apprentices. We’re offering 16 great career opportunities for people looking to carve out a career with a difference.

“We are also hoping some budding female mechanics will be reading this somewhere and will apply as we have a few working with us at the moment, but it would be great to have more,” he added.

Ella Middleton, aged 22 from Walsall, joined the firm last year as a semi-skilled sheet metal worker and is now studying for her NVQ Level 4 apprenticeship with the firm. Currently working as an apprentice welder, she said. “I’ve always wanted to get into engineering and I joined as an apprentice because I love making things. This job gives me something different to do every week so it’s challenging and rewarding at the same time. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, especially here, where you get the chance to do so much.”

Apprenticeships are currently on offer across a number of disciplines including mechanical, electrical and trim and performing manufacturing operations. Applicants only have until the end of April to apply and the competition is stiff as the firm has already received 60 applications.

Once successful, the apprentices will embark on a course combination of study/practical work experience at MacNeillie and will also attend day release at local colleges in areas such as Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley, where a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is studied up to a Level 4.  

MacNeillie is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialist vehicles to security focused organisations in the UK and throughout the world. It also provides emergency services with bespoke vehicles. They are also currently looking for a number of qualified auto electricians, skilled coach builders and vehicle strippers.

Interested applicants should visit http://www.macneillie.co.uk/careers/ for more information on how to apply or contact Helen Davies, Head of Human Resources and Security at MacNeillie in Walsall at hdavies@macneillie.co.uk.