Intelect Ranks 11th In National Apprenticeships Top 50 SME Employers For 2025
Intelect, a leading electrical and mechanical engineering company based in Middlesbrough, has once again been recognised for its award-winning apprenticeship programme, securing 11th place in the prestigious Apprenticeships Top 50 SME Employers in England for 2025.
The annual rankings celebrate outstanding apprenticeship employers who are committed to delivering high-quality training and career development opportunities. Employers are assessed on key criteria, including apprentice feedback, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and overall apprentice numbers and progression.
Intelect’s continued success in the rankings, having featured for the past four consecutive years, marks a significant achievement for the company, with this year representing its highest position to date.
Launched in 1998, Intelect’s apprenticeship programme has grown steadily over the years, underpinned by the company’s long-standing commitment to investing in the next generation of engineering talent. Today, Intelect supports 42 apprentices across a wide range of disciplines and educational levels, working in close collaboration with a network of local training providers.
Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Middlesbrough College, one of Intelect’s training partners, praised the company’s commitment, stating: “Intelect show absolute leadership when it comes to supporting young people, creating a talent pipeline and developing their future workforce. A true exemplar for others to follow and highly deserving of their place in this coveted list.
“Not only do they have an extensive and wide-ranging apprenticeship programme, but they go above and beyond providing work experience placements, performing guest lectures for our students and showing thought leadership to stimulate solutions to break the skills shortage cycle.”
Further cementing its dedication to developing future talent and supporting business growth, Intelect has recently committed to welcoming a new intake of eight apprentices starting in September 2025. This latest cohort will join an already thriving community of apprentices, reinforcing the company’s proactive role in shaping the region’s industrial future.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised once again among the UK’s top SME apprenticeship employers, ranking in our highest position to date,” said Fran Cormican, Managing Director at Intelect.
“Apprenticeships are a vital part of our business and our future, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and the dedication of our apprentices.”
As Intelect continues to expand its operations and workforce, the company remains focused on creating accessible career pathways for young people and upskilling talent within the North East region.
With the engineering sector facing a growing national skills gap, Intelect recognises that investment in apprenticeships is not just beneficial; it’s essential, and the company encourages other businesses to follow suit. Equipping the next generation with the technical skills and experience they need is vital to securing the future of the industry and driving long-term innovation and resilience.
Applications to join the 2025 intake of Intelect’s apprenticeship programme have now closed, and will not reopen until Spring 2026. For more information about Intelect’s apprenticeship programme, visit: www.intelectuk.com