Apprentices secure permanent roles at Stockton firm

Xander Brown, Fynn Walker, and Tom Spencer have become panel wiremen at HC Controls in Stockton after completing apprenticeships with Middlesbrough College Group.

They all began with 45-day work placements at HC Controls as part of their Engineering T-level courses at Middlesbrough College.

Impressed by their dedication, HC Controls offered them apprenticeships, with Middlesbrough College Group’s Northern Skills arm overseeing their progress.Left, Panel wireman Tom Spencer, associate director for apprentices at Middlesbrough College Mark Hall, HC Controls panel wireman Xander Brown, HC Controls director Helen Bullivant and HC Controls panel wireman Fynn Walker (Image: Chris Booth)

The trio completed their Level 3 Engineering Fitter Standard apprenticeship with HC Controls over 45 months, all earning distinctions in their assessments.

Director at HC Controls, Helen Bullivant, praised the apprentices for their dedication.

Ms Bullivant said: “They’re all very keen to learn and they all showed willingness to learn and get involved and all fitted in well with the rest of the workshop.

“Apprenticeships are a good route for us to find the right sort of people and invest in their training, knowledge and skills.”

The three apprentices shared their experiences.

Xander, 20, from Stockton, said: “I’d originally intended to do mechanical engineering, but I got a placement here and I found it a lot more interesting than what I was originally doing.

“I like the bespoke nature of the work we do here and the fact that no two days are the same – you’re always doing something different.”

Fynn, 21, from Guisborough, said: “The work is varied and I really enjoy it here.

“I got plenty of support from Middlesbrough College and Northern Skills right from doing my T-levels and through my apprenticeship.

“My assessor Chris in particular was really helpful and I could always ask him about anything.”

Tom, 22, from Billingham, added: “There’s a great atmosphere at HC Controls and everyone gets along well.

“The support from the College and Northern Skills has definitely helped and they’ve always been there if I’ve had any questions or queries.”

Dawn Smith, skills development manager at Northern Skills, said: “We’re delighted that Xander, Fynn, and Tom have done so well in their apprenticeships and are now starting their careers in full-time employment.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see how they’ve progressed over the years right from T-levels to permanent jobs with HC Controls and support from Middlesbrough College Group.

“We work hard to ensure that both students and employers can get the best out of work placements and apprenticeships and seeing success stories like this is really rewarding.”

HC Controls, located on Portrack Interchange Business Park, is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

Currently employing 24 people, the company believes that its experiences show that apprenticeships can benefit businesses of all sizes.

Ms Bullivant said: “There’s a lot to be gained from apprenticeships.

“You do have to invest time and money but it pays off in the end.

“We now have three really good people in our workshop who are young, enthusiastic and have a lot to offer.”