www.bel.co.uk Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:58:29 GMT Latest news from British Engines Ltd en-gb Copyright © 2011 British Engines Ltd andrew@mda-mpr.com Coranto using the Feed Builder Addon Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:57:14 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkuuZkkFuXzVjBrld http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkuuZkkFuXzVjBrld
British Engines has trained 600 young North Easterners since 1966 with many reaching senior positions within its group of companies as well as other prominent firms in the region.

It currently recruits 12 apprentices a year, but in 2012 that will increase to 20. British Engines apprentices are given a full apprenticeship training to prepare them for careers in engineering.

Ray Couch, British Engines Group HR and Training Manager, said: "We have taken this decision for a number of reasons. Business throughout the group is good so we need to recruit. We have a well-established and successful apprenticeship programme which allows us to ensure our trainees have the relevant skills for our needs. We are also aware that many young people are facing really difficult choices and might be put off going to university because of increasing costs."

British Engines apprenticeships are available for people interested in careers in engineering, projects, design and sales as well as commercial careers in administration, procurement and finance.

Training does not just focus on the apprenticeship programme. Manufacturing Engineer Joanne Foster, who works for one of the group’s companies BEL Valves, said: "British Engines sponsored me to do a degree whilst I was doing my apprenticeship. You get great support, which was so helpful."

She added: "Although there aren’t that many women in engineering, that’s beginning to change. I really love my job and I’ve proved that as a woman I can succeed."

Apprentice Jonathan Fyfe is a few weeks into the first year of his training. He decided against going to university and, speaking to his friends who did, has no regrets: "Already they’re struggling to with money and I’m getting paid to learn here, so I think I just need to take every opportunity to keep working hard."

British Engines was the main sponsor of last month’s TDR (Training and Development Resource Ltd) Awards Evening. TDR was set up 11 years ago by a number local engineering and science companies, including British Engines, to support apprentice training in the region.

TDR executive vice-chairman Bill McGawley said there was an exciting future for engineering and science businesses in the region but many firms had overlooked the need to maintain a well-trained workforce.

British Engines was an exception, though, having taken on hundreds of apprentices over the years.

"It has kept the pipeline full through the good and bad times. It’s kept the regional economy going," he said.

British Engines is a Newcastle based group of companies which operates worldwide and includes BEL Valves, which supplies high pressure valves to the oil and gas industry; Rotary Power, designers and manufacturers of hydraulic pumps and motors; Cramlington-based CMP Products, which designs and makes cable glands, connectors and accessories for hazardous and non hazardous locations; Stadium Packing Services - located in Swalwell - a bespoke export packing service for hazardous and non hazardous products, and Bishop Auckland based Stephenson Gobin, which manufactures brakes, clutches and fire products.]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:10:40 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkkZFukupDSyuUZGB http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkkZFukupDSyuUZGB
The role

The role will involve loading the manufacturing and assembly areas using production control systems, ensuring that delivery dates are achieved. The successful candidate will be required to organise manning within a cell and liaise with all parties to ensure that targets are met. This will involve identifying bottlenecks which would affect production. There is also a requirement to update all production control systems constantly and accurately.
Other duties will include liaising with heat treatment and machine subcontractors to ensure that deliveries are met.

The person

Applicants should have considerable experience within a lean manufacturing environment with a strong knowledge of CNC machinery and processes. They should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, be self motivated, have excellent organisational and numeracy skills and have the ability to work on their own initiative. Knowledge of Microsoft packages including word and excel also required.

Hours of work are 37 per week.

To apply please request an application form and return with a covering letter to the Human Resources Department, St Peters, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1BS or e mail a CV to recruitment@bel.co.uk. Please state your current salary and notice period. Please quote job requisition number 146/11 on your application.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application has been unsuccessful. Thank you.
]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:39:39 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkEklEVZAsvnONrAh http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkEklEVZAsvnONrAh
The role will involve working within dedicated multi disciplined Project Teams , ensuring the appraisal of the customer, BEL Valves and team Project Engineering requirements, in the compilation of designs, procedures and documentation to meet the needs of customers.

Key roles and responsibilities include;

• Engineering products in a safe holistic approach and in accordance with recognised design standards.
• Assume technical responsibility for assigned orders and manage the communications process.
• In association with the Project Manager, allocate and schedule demand to ensure on time delivery of project
documentation.
• Technical responsibility for all delegated Project Engineering and to act as the Senior Engineer to specific projects assigned when requested.
• Prepare and issue for use all necessary documentation including designs, BOMS and Acceptance Test procedures.
• Liaise with Customer and Third Party representatives.

This exciting opportunity provides the chance to develop your career in the stimulating environment of the Oil and Gas industry and in joining a proactive, innovative and professional team who are committed to the delivery of a high quality service.

Applicants should be enthusiastic with a questioning and challenging attitude, be flexible, innovative, committed, and capable of working as part of a team. In having strong communication and networking skills, you will be able to demonstrate experience of managing small to large engineering projects.

Ideally academically qualified to degree level in a Mechanical Engineering discipline, or alternatively demonstrated through significant experience, career progression, qualifications and professional membership.

Knowledge of industry standards such as ASME VIII/ API and valve standards, pressure vessel design, manufacturing experience, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) / ANSYS elastic and non-liner is desirable.

Full in-house induction and training schedule will be arranged through an agreed individual development programme, working with a mentor to support your progress and development.

To apply, please forward a CV with covering letter stating why you believe you are suitable for this role, to the Human Resources Department, or email to recruitment@bel.co.uk. Please quote requisition number 119/11 on
your application.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you.]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:38:50 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkEklEVFpWJViDodb http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkEklEVFpWJViDodb
The successful candidate must have a good working knowledge of MS Windows Desktop Operating Systems (XP/7) and standard windows applications. Experience in any of the following areas would be beneficial: Networking, VoIP, SharePoint, Linux/Unix, VMware vSphere, Active directory, Group policy, Microsoft Windows Server, terminal services and CAD/CAM applications.

The successful candidate must be a team player and possess excellent communication skills along with an organised and flexible approach to work and ideally be educated to degree level or alternatively demonstrated through career experience.

To apply please request an application form and return with a covering letter to the Human Resources Department, St Peters, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1BS or via e mail to recruitment@bel.co.uk. Please state your current salary and notice period. Please quote requisition number 143/11 on your application.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you
]]> Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:59:44 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkppVlZluAgvfRIOO http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFkppVlZluAgvfRIOO
The role, which will report to the Sales Manager, will have the primary function to prepare proposals against customer enquiries for BEL Valves products in a timely, professional and competitive manner.

Responsibilities will be to ensure that proposals are made correctly and competitively, in accordance with customer specifications and statutory requirements and codes of practice. Crucial elements to the success of this role will be the ability to maintain awareness of customer needs, produce accurate and timely documentation and liase effectively with a wide range of departments and functions.

Applicants should have experience in an engineering/manufacturing environment, ideally in a customer facing role. A knowledge of technical specifications is also required. Fluency in a foreign language and exposure to Oil and Gas Industry requirements would also be desirable.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a positive, innovative and motivated approach to their work combined with an organised and systematic method of working. Strong numerical, IT and communication skills are essential as are presentation skills.

A minimum ONC in a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering discipline is preferred, however candidates who can demonstrate relevant industry experience will also be considered.

This is an exciting opportunity that provides the chance to develop a career in a stimulating environment joining a proactive, innovative and professional team who are committed to the delivery of a high quality service.

Hours of work are 35 per week.

To apply, please forward a CV with covering letter stating why you believe you are suitable for this role, to the Human Resources Department, or email to recruitment@bel.co.uk.

Please quote requisition number 125/11 on your application.


We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you
]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:24:19 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAykuyVALqSONtNg http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAykuyVALqSONtNg
More than 500 people attended the 11th annual TDR (Training and Development Resource Ltd) dinner. TDR works closely with local employers - including the event's main sponsor British Engines - to provide high quality modern apprentices, develop workforces and promote engineering as an exciting career for young people.

Guest speaker Newcastle Eagles coach and inspiration Fab Flournoy told the audience: "TDR gives people opportunities and chances. Take advantage of it."

TDR was set up 11 years ago by British Engines and other local engineering and science companies to ensure they were able to take on apprentices who had already received relevant initial training.

Someone who was instrumental in establishing TDR was Ron Dodd. During the evening tributes were paid to Ron including a video presentation showing his work with apprentices and trainees. Ron, who is also a main board director of British Engines, had a simple message for young apprentices: "The harder you work the luckier you get. If you don't do it now you're not going to when you're older - so you've got to stick in and work."

TDR executive vice chairman Bill McGawley said: "When the public sector wanted to set up something like TDR, it said to businesses it wanted someone to run it. And it said 'Here's Ron Dodd'".

British Engines third year apprentice Thomas Adamson, 21, from Ryton, received a standing ovation as he received the award for the Advanced Apprentice of the Year in engineering. Thomas has worked hard with TDR and at British Engines after an undistinguished school record.

"When I left school I didn't have the best grades, not realising that you need them to get on. I've now put that right and am thrilled to get this award," he said.
Ian Young, managing director of TDR, said: "When you see 150 young people in the audience do better it's not 150 young people sitting there. I see 150 career paths and 150 opportunities to go on and do better things."

Mr McGawley said, despite many people's impression, there is an exciting future for engineering and science businesses but many firms had overlooked the need to maintain a well-trained workforce. British Engines was an exception, though, having taken on hundreds of apprentices over the years.

"It has kept the pipeline full through the good and bad times. It's kept the regional economy going," he said. ]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:09:30 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkVZptcQDLKrp http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkVZptcQDLKrp
These roles will involve planning the works orders covering all areas of the shop floor to ensure the most efficient methods are used to ensure customer sales orders are delivered on time and in full.

Specific duties will include generating daily works orders using our Glovia MRP system, loading new works orders onto the relevant resources, providing daily production performance monitoring updates on capacity and ensuring planning reports and status details are updated and published.

Applicants should possess experience in an engineering/manufacturing environment together with knowledge of production processes, systems and activities working with an MRP system. The successful candidate will demonstrate an organised and systematic method of working. Strong numerical, IT and communication skills are essential as is competence in working with integrated business management systems and associated processes.

These are excellent opportunities to apply knowledge and experience in an expanding and dynamic manufacturing environment. Additionally the opportunity exists to gain further experience in new processes and systems to help develop this essential activity in supporting our production facility.

Hours of work are 37 per week

To apply please forward a CV and covering letter to the Human Resources Department, St Peters, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1BS or via e-mail to recruitment@bel.co.uk. Please state your current salary and notice period. Please quote job requisition number 126/11 on your application.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:07:20 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkuupARdKfDhS http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkuupARdKfDhS
The Role

Reporting to the European Sales Co-ordinator the role will have the responsibility for all European office based sales activities covering order progression and placement, invoicing, and liaison with internal departments to ensure that orders are despatched efficiently.

Duties will include being a point of contact for all enquiries, ensuring that these are dealt with speedily and efficiently whilst offering customers and potential customers the very best customer service. The successful candidate will be required to process the orders on an in house system and raise invoices accordingly. The role will also involve a variety of ad hoc administrative duties and report writing.

The Person

The successful candidate will be commercially aware, ideally having had experience in a similar sales support role within a busy manufacturing environment. A relevant NVQ Customer Service qualification would be desirable. The role will require high levels of numeric and IT abilities and the ability to work to deadlines. Candidates should be team orientated, flexible, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. They should also be organised and enthusiastic. The ability to adapt to new and evolving work is also essential.

To apply please request an application form from the HR Department or e-mail a CV to recruitment@bel.co.uk, with a covering letter stating why you should be considered for the role. Please include your notice period and current salary. Please quote job requisition number 111/11 on your application.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you.]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:06:21 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkFlExlhjZmwY http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkFlExlhjZmwY
The Role

Reporting to the Customer Operations Manager the role will have the responsibility of logging all complaints/queries from customers and ensuring that these are dealt with promptly therefore offering a quality customer service relationship to all customers. Duties will also involve dealing with internal customers to ensure that queries are dealt with in a timely manner. The successful candidate will also have responsibility for the maintenance of the customer quality database, organising customer returns promptly and applying credit where required. The successful candidate will also be required to provide support to the sales team when required. Ad hoc administration tasks such as filing and invoicing are also part of the role.

The Person

The successful candidate will ideally have had experience in an after sales support role within a busy manufacturing environment and have relevant customer facing experience. A NVQ Customer Service qualification, or equivalent, would be desirable. Candidates should be team orientated, organised, enthusiastic, flexible, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to work to tight timescales and deadlines and adapt to new and evolving work is also essential.

To apply please request an application form from the HR Department or e-mail a CV to recruitment@bel.co.uk, with a covering letter stating why you should be considered for the role. Please include your notice period and current salary. Please quote job requisition number 113/11 on your application.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you.]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:05:01 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkFpEZDkIsYLL http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEkFpEZDkIsYLL
The Role

Reporting to the Customer Operations Manager the role will have the responsibility for the complete Customer Project Management cycle. This would be from the initial vendor enquiry in terms of understanding the vendor requirements, calculation of quotations and submission of tender documents, subsequent preparation and submission of vendor documentation in line with the purchase order, order entry, arranging final inspection and shipment, submission all final documentation in line with the purchase order as well as the invoice and full payment of all invoices. This will involve communicating widely with a wide range of internal and external customers ensuring that all special requirements are clearly identified and subsequently provided and offering the highest customer service standards at all times. The successful candidate will also be required to prepare pre qualification documents and vendor questionnaires.

Candidates will need to be conversant with all company standards and specifications relating to its products. They will also need to be aware of competitors and be familiar with recognised industry standards. The role will also involve a variety of ad hoc administrative duties and report writing.

The Person

The successful candidate will be commercially and technically aware, ideally having had experience in a similar Project Management role within a busy manufacturing environment dealing with bid, tender and subsequent project documentation. Familiarisation with standard shipping terms is required. A basic understanding of hazardous area protection methods for electrical apparatus is also required, together with minimum educational qualifications of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, which would include English and Mathematics. The role will require high levels of numeracy and IT skills and the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.

Candidates should be team orientated, flexible, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Candidates should be organised and enthusiastic. The ability to adapt to new and evolving work is also essential.

To apply please request an application form from the HR Department or e-mail a CV to recruitment@bel.co.uk, with a covering letter stating why you should be considered for the role. Please include your notice period and current salary. Please quote job requisition number 112/11 on your application.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks then your application will have been unsuccessful. Thank you.]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:59:10 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEEAVpYqquNxXx http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEEAVpYqquNxXx
Key role and responsibilities;

• Products to be engineered in a safe holistic approach and in accordance with design standards laid down both nationally, internationally, BEL Valves and customers specifications.

• Technical responsibility for all delegated Project Engineering matters on the project and to act as the Senior Engineer to specific projects assigned when requested.

• Prepare and issue for use, bespoke 3D Project designs, detail drawings, calculations, Bill of Material (BOM), Factory Acceptance Test procedures and other project-associated documentation, which meet the expectations and needs of the Project and the overall business operational and quality needs.

• Liaise with Customer and Third Party representatives in pursuance of and compliance with contractual obligations, this will involve the need to travel to attend client meetings on occasions.

This exciting opportunity provides the chance to develop your career in the stimulating environment of Oil and Gas industry and in joining a proactive, innovative and professional team who are committed to the delivery of a high quality service.

Applicants should be enthusiastic with a questioning and challenging attitude, be flexible, innovative, committed, and capable of working as part of a team. In having strong communication and networking skills, you be able to demonstrate experience of managing small to large engineering projects.

Ideally academically qualified to degree level in a Mechanical engineering discipline, or alternatively demonstrated through career experience and qualifications and professional membership

Knowledge of industry standards such as ASME VIII/ API and valve standards, pressure vessel design, manufacturing experience, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) / ANSYS elastic and non-liner is desirable.

Full in-house induction and training schedule will be through an agreed individual development programme, working with a mentor to support your progress and development.

To apply please request an application form from the HR Department or e-mail a CV with a covering letter to recruitment@bel.co.uk.]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:56:05 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEEZyVfCRUpiOM http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEEZyVfCRUpiOM Continental Shifts Earnings. Potential Up to £45K

We require experienced CNC Horizontal & Vertical Borer Operators and Turners, ideally apprentice trained, and with experience of using G/L or Fanuc control systems (for Horizontal Borer machine) and Mazak machines. The successful candidates should hold a minimum of a BTEC qualification or equivalent.

The roles involve programming components ranging from 1 off to small quantity batch work and will require interpretation of engineering drawings. The successful candidates should be competent in a variety of programming methods ie canned cycles or machine CAM systems. Previous experience of using a variety of materials is desirable together with the use of facing attachments.

The successful candidates must be self motivated, and team orientated. Terms and conditions for these roles include the potential/opportunity to work on a continental shift pattern based on 12 hour shifts with an associated shift premium.

Internal applicants are requested to inform their Manager/Supervisor regarding any vacancy for which they apply.

To apply please forward a CV with a covering letter to the Human Resources Department, St Peters, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1BS or via e mail to recruitment@bel.co.uk. Please state your current salary and notice period. Please quote job reference number on application. Job Requisition Number 133/10
]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:54:21 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEEyyEtSlNjykl http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFEAEEEyyEtSlNjykl
Applicants should be time served/apprentice trained machinists with experience of CNC machining gained in a high volume, world class production environment where achieving targets and maintaining high quality and housekeeping standards are the norm.

Terms and conditions of employment will include shift working.

Internal candidates should inform their manager/supervisor regarding any vacancy for which they apply.

To apply please forward a CV together with a covering letter stating why you should be considered for the role. Please return to the HR Department or e mail to recruitment@bel.co.uk. Please include your salary and notice period. Please quote job requisition number 132/10 on your application.]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:20:34 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFElVAulFuGQuCSOTo http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFElVAulFuGQuCSOTo
As the government announces new measures to encourage employers to take on apprentices, British Engines says the continued success of its apprenticeship scheme is one of the company's proudest achievements in its 90 year history.

Ray Couch, British Engines Group HR and Training Manager, said: "Our company has maintained a strong commitment to apprentice training and the results of this can be seen by the large number of employees who have served their time with us and now occupy a range of roles within the company up to and including very senior levels."

He added: "An increasing number of young people, who would normally go to university, will start to think seriously about becoming an apprentice because of the debt they will face after being a student and the uncertainty of getting a job. So the government's announcement is timely."
Nineteen-year-old Jonathan Fyfe from Wallsend had planned to go to university to study graphics after studying A' levels in graphics, ICT and geography.

"But the more I thought about it the more I did not fancy the idea of being so heavily in debt," he said.

After talking to his uncle, who is a sub-contractor for British Engines, Jonathan decided on a change of direction. He enrolled on a Performing Engineering Option NVQ at Tyne Metropolitan College and then applied to become an apprentice engineer at British Engines. He joined the company this week.

Thomas Adamson, who is 21 and from Ryton, has just completed the third of his four years as an apprentice. As well as on-the-job-training Thomas and some of the other apprentices have studied for a Foundation Degree in Subsea Engineering at Newcastle College, funded by British Engines. British Engines played a key role in originally developing the course.

"Many of my friends became labourers and keep getting laid off, so I am so pleased I was able to get on the British Engines apprenticeship scheme which should lead me to a really good career," he said.

The success of the company's apprenticeship scheme has meant that daughters, sons and siblings have followed dads and brothers in working for British Engines' companies or becoming apprentices.

Nineteen-year-old Anthony Hay and older brother Malcolm, for example, are both apprentices at British Engines' subsidiary company on Tyneside, BEL Valves.

Ray Couch said: "I suppose that suggests we must be doing something right. We look after our apprentices, recognise their achievements and reward them, but in turn we expect them to want to learn from the very skilled and experienced people we have working for us."

Twelve engineering and commercial apprentices joined British Engines this week. The group, which employs 900 people in the North East, operates all over the world and comprises of BEL Valves, which supplies high pressure valves to the oil and gas industry; Rotary Power, designers and manufacturers of hydraulic pumps and motors; Cramlington-based CMP Products, which designs and makes cable glands, connectors and accessories for hazardous and non hazardous locations; Stadium Packing Services - located in Swalwell - a bespoke export packing service for hazardous and non hazardous products, and Bishop Auckland based Stephenson Gobin, which manufactures system activation devices used in fire safety.]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:18:24 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFElVAuZpucSnHlMmh http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFElVAuZpucSnHlMmh
Over 160 students aged 13 and 14 years-old from Bede Academy in Blyth were given a taste of the working life of engineers and apprentices at the school's engineering day.
British Engines Ltd (BEL) a privately owned engineering group operating around the world has trained over 600 apprentices since 1966. The Newcastle-based company now trains 15 engineering and commercial apprentices every year, offering on the job training as well as supporting formal qualifications.

Graeme Stephenson, project design engineer at BEL, said: "The engineering day is a great opportunity for young people to hear first hand about opportunities in the field. I completed my apprenticeship at BEL so can tell students exactly what it is like to train as an engineer after school.

"The opportunities are endless - not only can you receive formal training at BEL but also gain on the job experience in a dynamic company."

Students took part in activities, including putting together a BEL valve for the oil industry worth over £30,000, as well as attending presentations from other engineering companies, architects and the British Army about the broad opportunities in engineering.

Year 9 student Isla Jones said: "It was great to talk to people who are enthusiastic about their job. Meeting the apprentices showed me that there are so many different career options in engineering open to me. Taking part in the activities was a great way of understanding what we have learnt in the classroom - it certainly helped me think about what I want to do."

Bede Academy opened in September 2009 and specialises in engineering and enterprise. Students are encouraged to take part in engineering projects - such as building a green powered car - as well as attending special lectures and events.

Mark Davies, director of engineering at Bede Academy, said: "The day was a great success - we have received extremely positive feedback from the students. We are very grateful to BEL for taking the time to bring lessons to life in the classroom and help us show students the wealth of engineering careers available to them.

"It was also fantastic to see apprentices, like Faye Henry from BEL who attended our sister school Emmanuel College, returning to speak to pupils as an apprentice."

BEL employs around 900 people in a group of companies that includes Walker based BEL Valves that supplies high pressure valves to the oil and gas industry and Rotary Power, designers and manufacturers of hydraulic pumps and motors. Based at Cramlington is CMP Products, that designs and makes cable glands, connectors and accessories for hazardous and non hazardous locations.

Stadium Packing Services, located at Swalwell, is a bespoke export packing service for hazardous and non hazardous products. And Bishop Auckland based Stephenson Gobin, manufactures system activation devices used in fire safety.]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:17:41 GMT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFElVAuyyEYCJtmCXT http://www.bel.co.uk/news/viewnews.cgi?id=EFElVAuyyEYCJtmCXT
British Engines Ltd's pre tax profits have risen from £3.8 m in 2010 to £7.6 m to April this year, achieving a turnover of £97.3 m. Alex Lamb, chairman, BEL, said: "The group as a whole has invested a lot of time and money over the past five years in its facilities, its products and its overseas offices. In the end this investment is only bearing fruit due to the great people we have across all levels of the company.

"We have a much greater global presence than we did a decade ago. We have a desire to continue this growth and are cautiously optimistic about the market, so have recruited 15 apprentices and are looking to recruit 30 skilled machinists and engineers," he added. "We have been running an apprenticeship scheme for almost 50 years, training more than 600 since 1966. The majority of them have had long and rewarding careers with us, including some who have become directors of the company."

As part of the company's investment in people programme the 15 new apprentices will be given on the job training combined with a course and professional qualification.

Twenty three year old Graeme Stephenson, from Prudhoe, has completed his three-year apprenticeship with BEL in Computer Numerically Controlled Engineering and is now a project engineer. "I am involved in the design of valves that are made for the oil and gas industry all over the world. This process frequently encompasses taking conceptual design to detailed calculations and drawings," said Graeme. "Every day is a new challenge, I work as part of a team and there is always something to learn from them. You have to take responsibility for everything you do, meeting deadlines, which is great. I am really passionate about it.

"I am sure there is a fantastic future ahead for me at British Engines, with a natural progression to other roles. There is always something here to inspire you. With an apprenticeship you get great training as well as being paid and there is a career at the end of it. You couldn't afford to do this on your own. I have friends who have been to university and can't get jobs."

BEL employs around 900 people in a group of companies that includes Walker based BEL Valves that supplies high pressure valves to the oil and gas industry and Rotary Power, designers and manufacturers of hydraulic pumps and motors. Based at Cramlington is CMP Products, that designs and makes cable glands, connectors and accessories for hazardous and non hazardous locations.

Stadium Packing Services, located at Swalwell, is a bespoke export packing service for hazardous and non hazardous products. And Bishop Auckland based Stephenson Gobin, manufactures system activation devices used in fire safety.]]>