Apprenticeships
Brandauer’s development program is one of the most important pillars of the company. Without the apprentices who help our business every day, we would not be in the place we are currently. They are not only the future of the business, but the future of the whole industry. Therefore, ensuring a quality talent pipeline is vital to the company.
Why are we pushing in-house talent development?
Since 2016, Brandauer has invested over £400k in our own bespoke apprenticeship programme. This has brought our average age down from 58 to just 44 over a period of 10 years. 65% of our current management team have come from an apprentice background, with two being homegrown talents.
This industry is going to continue to grow and develop, long after we all retire. So, acting now and safeguarding the future of engineering is a key step in Brandauer’s growth plan. It’s these investments that are going to keep Brandauer going for another 150 years!
Another huge reason for this push in talent development is the ever-growing skills gap that is still present in the industry today. This is something that has been a huge issue previously in Brandauer, and thankfully, we have put an early stop to this issue over the last 10 years. But time does not stop, and if the eye is taken off the ball, then the skills gap issue is going to begin creeping in again!
With all this in mind, it is a no-brainer for Brandauer to dedicate its time and resources to the younger generation.
Apprenticeship testimonials from 1944!
Even when Britain was still at war, Brandauer still maintained its commitment to train apprentices. In 1996, Mr D Blunston recounted the following memories of working at the factory to Professor Carl Chinn.
“I myself worked in the pen trade, as an apprentice toolmaker. I started in 1944 at C Brandauer & Co, New John Street West. As you know it is still going strong; a very fine firm and going since 1862.
“My weekly wage for a 49 hour (week) was 11/9p (eleven shillings and nine pence, now 59 pence and worth £20.10 at today’s prices). I loved every day of my life working there. The manager at the time was Mr Eastwood; a very nice man to get on with. Every person in the firm was very hard working. A pen nib was a piece of precision on its own; a lot of hard work went into it to produce it.
“All my mates and foreman throughout the factory taught me a lot about toolmaking, of which I have not forgot. In those days when you were given the order to make a press tool, you made everything yourself: shaping, grinding, milling, turning, filing on the bench to a very fine finish. Then when the tool was made, you did your own hardening and tempering of it on an open fire blown up by a large pair of bellows operated by hand. Afterwards, you tempered tools to the correct colour and hoping that the tool did not crack in the meantime.”
Climbing up the ladder – from apprentice to acquisition
Stuart Berry’s career trajectory exemplifies the power of combining technical excellence with strategic leadership.
Beginning as an apprentice at MG Rover Group in 2004, Stuart completed this apprenticeship at Brandauer. Stuart laid the groundwork for what would become an exceptional career in precision manufacturing, simultaneously pursuing academic qualifications that included a First Class Honours Degree in Management of Manufacturing Systems from Birmingham City University.
In 2005, Stuart joined Brandauer, embarking on a comprehensive engineering apprenticeship that spanned CNC machining, wire erosion, quality assurance and press shop operations. His meticulous attention to detail and drive for efficiency quickly distinguished him, propelling his advancement from Tool Maker Machinist to New Product Development Engineer, where he championed “Right First Time” KPIs and embedded lean manufacturing techniques.
Stuart’s leadership capabilities became increasingly evident as he progressed to Lead Engineer in 2015, then Engineering Manager in 2016, where he led over 20 people across critical functions. By 2018, he had risen to Manufacturing Director, assuming responsibility for Brandauer’s complete operational footprint, including strategic planning, business development, and international growth initiatives.
His achievements have earned significant recognition, including being named among the Manufacturers’ Top 100 2022 as an Exemplar for Innovator, Inspiring Leader, and Young Pioneer. Beyond the factory floor, Stuart’s competitive spirit – honed through multiple national sailing regatta victories and regional motocross representation – continues to drive his leadership approach.
Today, Stuart remains focused on operational excellence and sustainable growth, positioning Brandauer at the forefront of precision engineering’s evolving landscape. Recently, he was part of a trio that purchased Brandauer with the vision of creating a world-leading precision engineering specialist – this was completed alongside CEO Rowan Crozier MBE and Non-Exec Director David Chapman.
How to apply for a Brandauer apprenticeship
If you like what you see and are keen to come study and work at Brandauer, then you can find our live vacancies through the link below! Alternatively, you can get in contact with our dedicated training partner In-Comm Training through the details below.
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Beyond heritage and case studies, Brandauer has a reputation backed by a range of awards and quality standards. Along with being one of the very few SMEs to hold both the King’s and Queen’s Awards for International Trade and Innovation, the business has also been a proud recipient of multiple awards over the years, all in many different areas, spanning components, people and environmental efforts!
Beyond Brandauer’s success, we hold a range of quality certifications and are committed to continuous improvement of everything we do.
