BEP Surface Technologies visited Hazel Wood High School in Bury, Greater Manchester to encourage secondary school students to pursue engineering careers, in anticipation of National Apprenticeship Week (9-13 February).
Managing Director Andrew McClusky and Design Engineer Callum Taylor from the electroplating and surface finishing specialist delivered structured, interactive sessions to Year 8 and Year 9 students as part of the school’s careers fair, organised by Pastoral Manager for Year 11 and Aspiration Co-ordinator Amy Edwards.
To support engagement, BEP introduced an illustrated storybook designed to explain its role in critical industries in an accessible way. Rather than focusing on technical detail, it highlighted the real-world consequences of engineering failure and the importance of reliability, helping students understand how engineering underpins national security, industrial resilience and everyday life.
Throughout the day, BEP delivered 10 12-minute small-group sessions: five with Year 8 students and five with Year 9 students, creating space for open discussion of engineering careers, apprenticeships, and technical routes into manufacturing.
The sessions also revealed a marked difference in engagement between the two-year groups. While Year 8 students showed curiosity and enthusiasm, the Year 9 groups demonstrated notably sharper focus, deeper questioning and clearer interest in career pathways, reflecting their growing awareness as they begin to consider GCSE subject choices that will shape their future options.
“There was a clear shift in the way Year 9 students interacted,” said McClusky. “You could see students already thinking about subject choices and future careers.
“That’s why this age group matters. Early, informed exposure helps young people make confident decisions and understand the real-world relevance of STEM subjects.”
Callum Taylor shared his journey into manufacturing, demonstrating how apprenticeships can provide structure, practical skills and long-term opportunity.
“Not everyone learns best in a classroom,” he said. “Apprenticeships allow people the chance to develop real skills in a real working environment, while still building qualifications and confidence.”
Now 26, Taylor joined the company in 2020 as a Maintenance Apprentice after completing his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at Bury College.
Having found the role through GOV.UK Careers, he progressed into design engineering, developing specialist skills in precision manufacturing, equipment development and process improvement.
“I was in their position not that long ago, unsure of the direction to take,” Taylor said. “Engineering gave me structure, purpose and a clear path forward.
“It’s great to show students that there are strong alternatives to purely academic routes and that those routes can lead to exciting, well-paid careers.”
Amy Edwards, Pastoral Manager for Year 11 and Aspiration Co-ordinator, said the structured sessions and direct access to industry professionals delivered clear value. “Students gained insights they cannot get from textbooks alone. Meeting young engineers who began as apprentices enabled honest questions and a practical understanding of career paths.
“The contrast between Year 8 and Year 9 engagement showed how critical this stage is in shaping informed choices and building confidence, aspiration and motivation.”
The visit forms part of BEP’s broader commitment to strengthening the UK’s engineering skills pipeline. The company recognises that skills shortages are among the greatest long-term threats to the competitiveness of UK manufacturing, particularly in the surface engineering sector.
McClusky has been a consistent advocate for greater collaboration between industry and education, particularly around apprenticeships, T-levels, the recently introduced V-levels and other technical qualifications.
“Manufacturing must take ownership of the skills agenda,” McClusky said. “We cannot rely on education alone to solve the talent challenge. Employers must be visible, accessible, and proactive in engaging with young people, parents, and teachers.
“T-levels, V-levels and apprenticeships are high-quality technical routes, but awareness remains patchy. Direct engagement at secondary school level is essential if we are serious about rebuilding the UK’s technical capability.”