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    Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme

    Supporting SMEs by helping fund new apprentices.

    Helping local SMEs to secure the skills they need


    We are currently partnered with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre to fund an intake of apprentices through the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme.


    The programme contributes to the funding of new apprentices in the manufacturing and transport sectors in and around the Midlands, helping local SMEs to secure the skills they need for the future.

    The power of apprenticeships


    Insights from apprentices and employers about their apprenticeship journey.

    Jack Saxby and Seth Alderson, Build for Growth Ltd

    "I have always been interested in becoming an engineer to learn physical skills and master a craft where I can create something."

    Find out more

    Ben Tibenham and Mark Tibenham, MJT Engineering

    "It has been hard work but very interesting, learning new skills and developing technical knowledge."

    Find out more

    Archie Smith and Sam Dobson, Sidetracker Engineering

    "With an apprenticeship, even after the end point assessment, I still have so many skills I can use further on in my career."

    Find out more

    Ben Hale, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2023

    “I was attracted to the programme because it is a great way to gain qualifications to further your career whilst earning an income.”

    Read Ben's story

    Jakub Kuchta, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2020

    “It’s definitely the best thing that I’ve done so far in my working career.”

    Read Jakub's story

    Rosie Davies, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2018

    “Having such an experienced team around me has helped me progress in my career and develop as a person too."

    Read Rosie's story

    Leigh Worsdale, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2015

    “It's all about taking the opportunity and giving it a go.”

    Read Leigh's story

    Adrian Salatowski, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2015

    Adrian Salatowski began his Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship in 2015, funded by Close Brothers, at the AMRC Training Centre, and is currently employed as a Production Engineer at CWE Ltd.

    Read Adrian's story

    Ben Siddall, a Close Brothers funded apprentice, Class of 2015

    ”My apprenticeship with the AMRC has been the stepping stone that set me off in the right direction in my career.” Ben Siddall went on to win Apprentice of the Year 2018.

    Read Ben's story

    Our SME Apprentice Programme

    Phase 6: We partner again with the AMRC Training Centre to sponsor a further intake of 15 new apprentices

    01 JAN 2095 - 01 JAN 2095

    Phase 5: A further 15 apprentices funded in conjunction with the AMRC Training Centre

    01 JAN 2096 - 01 JAN 2096

    Phase 4: We continued our work with AMRC Training Centre to sponsor a further 20 apprentices

    01 JAN 2097 - 01 JAN 2097

    Phase 3: We supported 20 transport apprentices across the UK through partnering with the RHA

    01 JAN 2098 - 01 JAN 2098

    Phase 2: We partnered with Make UK and MTA to support 20 manufacturing apprentices in Birmingham

    01 JAN 2099 - 01 JAN 2099

    Phase 1: We launched the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme with an intake of 20 apprentices to learn skills at the AMRC Training Centre

    01 JAN 2100 - 01 JAN 2100

    Our SME Apprentice Programme partners

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    SME Apprentice Programme | Close Brothers Group