UK: Francis Brown Recruits Two New Apprentices

Francis Brown Ltd, the North East engineering company, has asserted its commitment to future skills after taking on new apprentices who trained in the region. 

The Stockton-on-Tees firm, which already operates an apprenticeship programme with three advanced apprentices currently training with the company, has now recruited Christopher Brown, 19, from Seaton and Luke Swinborne, 16, from Hartlepool on fabrication and welding apprenticeships.

Employing more than 90 people, Francis Brown Ltd is an established member of the oil & gas, chemical and offshore renewables sector supply chain with plans to deliver engineering and fabrication services to the new nuclear industry.

The firm’s high integrity, high performance fabrication services have helped increase its sales to around £6million.

As part of its growth plan, which includes a strong commitment to apprenticeships, Francis Brown has taken on the two new recruits as part of its fabrication and welding arms of the business.

The company is committed to investing in the future and forward-planning by developing and expanding its team as well as forging working partnerships with local companies to bring added value to their mutual businesses. In addition, the company is embracing the challenges of the markets it works in, including the oil and gas, nuclear and the petrochemical sectors.

Both recruits join Francis Brown after starting their apprenticeship training at Hartlepool College of Further Education. They will complete workshop-based training coupled with day release at the college.

Mike Garraghan, Work-based Learning Assessor at Hartlepool College, commented: “We are very pleased that Christopher and Luke have been offered such fantastic opportunities by Francis Brown Ltd. 

“The two teenagers will be immersed in the sector in their hands-on roles which will provide some excellent experience and a brilliant introduction to working life.” 

Clive Shiels, Operations Manager of Francis Brown Ltd, said: “The two new apprentices will be valuable additions to our team. They will learn the ropes and become vital assets in the company.  

“We are working to prepare for the opportunities that the oil, gas, nuclear and petrochemical markets will generate in the future, as these markets are high growth and are expanding rapidly. Our new recruits will help us to prepare for those challenges and opportunities.” 

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Offshore WIND staff, June 20, 2012; Image: Francis Brown Ltd