This National Apprenticeship Week, underwater technology and services company, SMD, is celebrating the achievements of an outstanding degree apprentice and encouraging more businesses to invest in local talent.
20-year-old Tom Beezer joined SMD in 2022 and will graduate from Sunderland University this October with an honours degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. After this, he will take up a permanent position as a services design engineer.
Alongside Tom’s passion and drive, the company has been particularly impressed with his active role in encouraging more regional employers to invest in apprenticeship schemes.
Speaking on this, Tom said: “Securing a degree apprenticeship – particularly in the North East – is a real challenge. While we are a hub for innovation and engineering, local people are given few opportunities to pursue their interests through degree-level apprenticeships. This is something I would love to see change.
“I’m really fortunate to have found my place at SMD, a company with a supportive culture and a focus on investing in the workforce and technology of the future.
“Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve been given the space to apply my learning to new and exciting projects with the support of a team that values my insight and actively encourages me to voice my opinions. I would love for more people to benefit from this chance.”
Last year, Tom shared his passion for degree apprenticeships at Offshore Wind North East, where he delivered a talk on the importance of creating regional opportunities for young people.
Tom explained: “I feel strongly about encouraging local companies to invest in degree apprentices because it’s been such a life-changing experience for me. By providing young people with practical, hands-on experience to solidify their learnings, employers have a unique opportunity to help them excel on higher education pathways.”
SMD has invested in 18 apprentices over the past few years, with plans to take on a further five this year. Speaking on this, Julie Nicholson, HR Manager at SMD, said: “As a future-focused business, we really believe in providing robust career pathways to local talent.
“Tom, with his energy and enthusiasm, embodies all of our company values – he is a shining example of how apprenticeships not only equip individuals with valuable skills but also strengthen workforces by contributing fresh ideas and perspectives.
“After his graduation in October, Tom will join us full-time as a services design engineer, a role which we have no doubt he will thrive in.”
SMD is always looking for new talent to join its North Tyneside HQ. To discover its latest career opportunities, please visit: https://www.smd.co.uk/careers/