National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of apprenticeships, bringing together employers, apprentices and training providers across the UK to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
To mark the occasion, we caught up with a current and former apprentice at BEL Valves to celebrate everything they have achieved as part of the British Engines Apprenticeship Scheme.
Annabel joined BEL Valves in 2017 as a Mechanical Fitter Apprentice and, after completing her apprenticeship, has progressed into the role of Sales Engineer. Ben joined the business in 2023 as BEL Valves’ first Finance Apprentice and has recently completed his Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 4 qualification, now working as a Finance Assistant.
Ben: Before joining the apprenticeship scheme, I was self-studying my AAT Level 2 Accounting qualification while working a part-time job. I really wanted the opportunity to continue learning alongside working.
Annabel: I was completing my BTEC Level 3 in Engineering at college and, similarly to Ben, was also working two part-time jobs. My tutor recommended the British Engines apprenticeship to me as a great place to earn money while gaining qualifications.
Ben: Day to day, I supported invoicing, reconciliations and cost analysis, assisted with budgeting and forecasting, processed journals and worked collaboratively with teams to improve financial controls and reporting accuracy.
Annabel: My day to day was often quite different. One of the things I really enjoyed about the apprenticeship was the opportunity to experience different departments through three-month rotations, including test, assembly, inspection, stores and sales. This helped me to understand the full operations process and figure out where I fitted best for the future.
Ben: I am about to complete my Level 4 Accounting qualification and will be progressing on to a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification early this year to continue developing my finance knowledge and career.
Annabel: Following my apprenticeship, I was lucky enough to be selected to complete a HNC and HND with BEL Valves. This helped me to progress further in my career and gain a much deeper understanding of the business. I am also currently completing a Mosaic leadership course alongside a few colleagues, which is helping me to develop my leadership skills and support my ongoing career progression.
Ben: I was honoured to receive the Business Apprentice Award at the 2025 Beyond Awards, which was a major highlight and a very proud moment for me!
Annabel: After completing my apprenticeship, I was offered a role as Sales Engineer, which I was grateful to accept. I was then placed on a two-year progression plan to support my development towards a senior role.
Ben: I look after the accounts for British Engines group company, Tyne Pressure Testing, as well as supporting the accounts at BEL Valves. Taking on responsibility for Tyne Pressure Testing was a challenge at first, as there were lots of new processes to learn, but with support from my colleagues, I settled in quickly and now feel confident managing the role.
Annabel: As a Sales Engineer, I work on technical valve bids for customers all over the world. I also manage the key account for the Norway region, so I’m the main point of contact for our key customers there.
Annabel: I really enjoy the challenges the role brings, while continuing to progress in terms of leadership and responsibility.
I’ve also had the opportunity to travel, not just within the UK, but further afield too. I’ve visited Norway and I’ll be travelling to Bergamo in Italy for the IVS exhibition. I’ve also been to Hamburg in Germany for the Hydrogen Technology Expo, which was a great opportunity to meet customers and build new connections, so I’m really looking forward to IVS!
Ben: I initially split my time between sales and finance, but it soon became clear that finance was the best fit for me, so I moved into the department full time. Having that exposure during my apprenticeship really helped me understand where my strengths were and where I wanted to progress.
Annabel: At the end of my apprenticeship, I was offered two roles, one shop floor-based and one office-based. Because I had been exposed to sales during my apprenticeship, I found it was the direction I wanted to go in, and I knew that I would have the opportunity to carry on progressing. Although I really enjoyed working on the shop floor too!
Ben: Apply yourself, take up every opportunity and don’t be afraid to say yes and give things a go.
Annabel: Just go for it! I’d also say to any women considering an engineering apprenticeship not to be put off by a male-dominated industry. It may seem intimidating, but it really isn’t, everyone is treated the same and are incredibly supportive… they’re big softies really!
Ben: I wish I’d realised how important it is to ask questions early on. It helps you learn faster and build confidence, and the hands-on experience makes what you’re studying much easier to understand.
Annabel: Don’t be put off by the length of an apprenticeship, it goes by so quickly and you actually continue to learn once you’ve finished.
Ben: Yes, I’d definitely recommend the British Engines apprenticeship scheme. The support across the business is excellent, with managers and colleagues always willing to help. You’re given real responsibility while being supported to learn and develop, which makes it a great place to build your skills and confidence.
Annabel: I’d definitely recommend it! There are so many options to help you find an area you enjoy and start building your career.
Thank you for chatting with us, we wish you all the best in your careers!
Interested in an apprenticeship at BEL Valves? Find out more about our careers and keep an eye out for future apprenticeship opportunities when the scheme opens later this year.
