Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the next generation of engineers at Renishaw. According to UK Government data, apprenticeship starts increased by 4.1 percent in 2025, with engineering and manufacturing technologies recording 46,070 starts, showing a slight rise compared to the previous year. By combining hands-on experience with structured learning, Renishaw’s apprenticeship programme enables individuals to build practical skills, gain valuable industry insight and contribute to real engineering projects from an early stage.
With around 300 people currently on early careers schemes, Renishaw offers a supportive environment where apprentices are encouraged to grow, collaborate and succeed. This environment has enabled apprentices to take on substantial responsibilities, as seen in the experience of Ed, a fifth-year Embedded Electronics Engineering Apprentice working in additive manufacturing (3D printing).
Now four and a half years into his five-year apprenticeship, Ed designs, tests and validates circuit boards for the next generation of additive manufacturing machines. This ensures the electronics perform reliably and meet demanding technical standards. His role gives him direct responsibility for real projects, highlighting the trust placed in apprentices at Renishaw.
“My interest in engineering started at home, helping my father around the house by fixing electrical circuits. I had the opportunity to study Electronics at AS-level in secondary school, which strengthened my passion for the subject. As I came to the end of my A-levels, I considered both university and apprenticeship routes, but I knew that I wanted something more hands on”, said Ed. “When a teacher shared a list of apprenticeship opportunities, Renishaw stood out to me as a well-established engineering company offering high-quality training and long-term career development”.
Beyond his technical role, Ed is actively involved in Renishaw’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) Ambassador outreach programme. Through this initiative, he works with secondary schools across Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol and has also returned to his former school in Bath to deliver assemblies. These sessions help students understand the variety of pathways into engineering, particularly apprenticeships and show how soft skills can be applied in real-world roles.
Ed has also developed an interactive electronics project for Renishaw’s outreach team, aimed at students in Year 10 and above. He will support the delivery of some of these workshop in schools this year, encouraging students to explore electronics through practical activities and also share his own personal journey from education to employment, promoting technical pathways into engineering.
Ed’s journey is just one example of the wider value of Renishaw’s apprenticeship programme, which offers practical experience, strong support and the opportunity to inspire others. By investing in apprentices, Renishaw is continuing to build a skilled workforce while encouraging young people to consider rewarding careers in engineering and manufacturing.
If you would like to know more and become part of Renishaw’s team, visit tinyurl.com/4zz4uaps
