NG Bailey to recruit over 70 apprentices across UK

NG Bailey is recruiting more than 70 apprentices across the UK as it expands its long-running training scheme, with roles spanning engineering, building services, facilities and IT.

Vacancies will be released in phases over the coming weeks through a dedicated apprenticeships section on its website. Roles are available nationwide, from Inverness in the north of Scotland to Portsmouth on the south coast of England.

Apprentices will join different parts of the group, including Engineering, Facilities Services, Freedom and IT Services. The programme is positioned as a route into technical and professional careers across construction, building services and infrastructure.

Roles and locations

Current apprenticeship roles include project engineer, electrical, industrial heating and plumbing, quantity surveyor, high voltage maintenance fitter, environmental advisor, estimator and network cable installer.

The range spans both site- and office-based work, from technical trades and maintenance to planning, surveying and estimating roles that support project delivery and commercial management.

The recruitment push comes as employers across the UK continue to face skills shortages in engineering and construction-related disciplines. Apprenticeships remain a key route for firms building a pipeline of qualified workers through paid, on-the-job training.

Training model

Apprentices are supported throughout their time with the business and complete training alongside workplace experience through a national network of colleges.

NG Bailey says its apprenticeships are open to applicants of any age and background, including those looking to change careers or develop new skills.

Rob Smith, group HR director, said the recruitment drive offers nationwide opportunities across multiple divisions.

"With more than 70 fantastic apprenticeship roles available, from as far north as Inverness to as far south as Portsmouth, we are offering industry leading opportunities to work alongside our experienced Engineering, Facilities Services, Freedom and IT Services teams."

He said the scheme combines qualifications, work experience and paid employment.

"Our apprenticeships enable people to achieve an industry-recognised qualification, gain valuable experience, learn key skills, and expand their knowledge, all while working together with some great people and earning a salary," Smith said.

He added that the programme is open beyond school leavers.

"Whether you're looking to change your career or upskill your role, our apprenticeships are open to all, no matter what your age or background," he said.

NG Bailey has run apprenticeships for more than 90 years, according to the company. Smith said the approach is designed to give people the skills and experience needed to build a long-term career.

"Having trained and developed apprenticeships for more than 90 years, our industry-leading approach gives people the behaviours, skills, knowledge and experience they need to build a successful career, working on some of the UK's most recognisable and respected projects," he said.

He said apprentices receive ongoing support and external training.

"Recruits are fully supported throughout their time with us, and we work in partnership with a national network of colleges to offer some of the best training in the industry," he said.

Apprentice perspective

The company highlighted the experience of an existing apprentice, Max Rose, an apprentice project planner. He said professional exposure and on-the-job learning had shaped his development.

"Being given the opportunity to work among industry-leading professionals and learning so much from them has helped me to improve both personally and professionally in my role," Rose said.

He said the chance to work on large-scale projects influenced his decision to apply.

"The opportunity to work on national infrastructure projects really appealed to me when applying. I want to put my stamp on the world of tomorrow and I see NG Bailey as the best place for me to achieve this goal," he said.

Company backdrop

Founded in 1921, NG Bailey started as an electrical contractor and has expanded into a group operating across building and infrastructure services. It remains family-owned and employs around 3,400 people, according to the company.

The business has offices, sites and manufacturing facilities across the UK, working with customers and supply chains across multiple sectors in the building and infrastructure industry.

Recruitment for the apprenticeship intake will continue as roles are released in phases over the coming weeks.