UK apprenticeship programme expanded

The company is highlighting the impact of its growing apprenticeship programme, reinforcing how structured training supports talent development, business performance and long-term skills growth. 

Across the UK, apprenticeships remain a vital route into employment and skills development, with over 350,000 apprenticeship starts in England in 2024/251 and more than 760,000 people participating in an apprenticeship overall1. Starts have increased compared with the previous year, underlining sustained employer and learner engagement despite ongoing economic challenges. 

As part of Smiths Group, John Crane contributes to a broader UK commitment to developing skills and early-career talent across the Group. Across Smiths Group in the UK, there are 93 apprentices on a range of learning pathways, with 51 joining as new early-career recruits, reflecting a shared focus on investing in people, building future capability and strengthening the UK skills base. 

Through a focused and coordinated approach led by its UK Apprentice Steering Group, John Crane has successfully maximised the use of its UK Apprenticeship Levy, ensuring investment is directed back into people and capability rather than being returned unused. They have also strengthened oversight of training providers and driven a more joined-up approach to apprenticeships across the organisation. 

Today, John Crane has 42 apprentices on a range of learning pathways across its businesses. 

Of these, 17 new early-career recruits are joining the organisation through apprenticeship standards spanning Engineering, Marketing, Data, HR and Software. These programmes help attract diverse early-career talent while creating clear pathways into skilled, long-term careers. 

The remaining 25 apprentices are existing employees who are upskilling or reskilling through apprenticeship standards in areas such as Coaching, Leadership and Management, Lean Methodologies, Digital Technologies and Project Management. This approach supports career progression, strengthens leadership capability and ensures skills continue to evolve in line with business needs. 

Ruben Alvarez, president, John Crane, said: “Apprenticeships play a critical role in how we build capability for the future while supporting the people who power our business today. Whether someone is joining John Crane at the start of their career or developing new skills later on, these programmes allow us to invest directly in talent, strengthen our expertise and create meaningful, long-term opportunities. It’s about ensuring we have the right skills, in the right places, to support our customers and our growth ambitions.” 

John Crane currently works with approximately 19 training providers across the UK, enabling access to specialist expertise while maintaining consistency and quality across programmes. 

By investing in apprenticeships at every career stage, John Crane is reinforcing its commitment to skills development, employee growth and long-term business sustainability, supporting both individuals and the future of engineering and professional excellence. 

www.johncrane.com