National Apprenticeship Week – held from 9-15th February – is a nationwide celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. At Brandauer, we wanted to take this moment to reflect on a longstanding commitment to investing in people and skills.
Brandauer’s apprenticeship programme is embedded in the culture of the business. Built on hands-on learning, continuous improvement and ongoing upskilling, it has earned national recognition through awards and individual accolades. This approach reflects our proud history and core values, centred on developing ambitious employees and securing the future of British precision engineering.
Rather than simply talking about what we can do for young people, we thought it would be better to show you.
Hear from Brandauer’s former apprentices
What about apprenticeships initially stood out to you?
Ollie Eskriett: The idea of ‘earn while you learn’ was a huge attraction point for me. I knew A-Levels and university didn’t interest me like it did my friends. To be hands on and get stuck in was something that a classroom environment can’t offer.
Adam Burgoyne: It was the promise of the same qualifications as university, but the experience to go alongside it. The ability to apply what I was learning in real time made the route far more appealing and practical.
What drew you to Brandauer when applying for your apprenticeship?
Ollie Eskriett: The level of detail, the focus on working to fine tolerances, and the fact that components are supplied worldwide all stood out. What truly set the company apart, however, was its structured approach to learning and the way apprentices progress through the business, something many other companies did not offer or actively promote. Brandauer has clearly stood the test of time through the teaching and passing down of knowledge, and from the very start, it was clear that they genuinely cared.
Adam Burgoyne: During the recruitment process, the company was said to be at the forefront of technology regarding stamping, and this turned out to be true! I was also shown the Brandauer apprentice pathway that clearly showed steps and a potential timeline for progression and further learning. Upon reflection, this gave me confidence in both the role and the business.
What advice would you give young people who are considering engineering, but haven’t quite made a final decision?
Ollie Eskriett: I took a completely different path to all my friends and I was worried that I made a mistake. Don’t worry, it may seem daunting at the start of the journey, but the engineering world is full of amazing opportunities and can lead to many great things! Engineering is shaping the future and is always evolving.
Adam Burgoyne: Go for it! The world of engineering is far broader and more varied than most people initially realise. There is something for everyone, and it’s likely closer to home than you first thought!
How has your apprenticeship helped you to progress to where you are now?
Ollie Eskriett: Without my apprenticeship, I would not be in the role I hold today. This is down to not only learning my skills out on the bench within the toolroom, but also going around the business and learning about other sections of the business and how they operate. This gives me a broader understanding of how a whole business operates. These are very valuable skills that cannot be fully learnt or understood within a classroom or textbook.
Adam Burgoyne: It has given me a broad experience and knowledge that I otherwise would not have gained through the traditional academic route. I have also continued in education all throughout my apprenticeship, culminating in a First-Class Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, which was made possible through the apprenticeship pathway.
What has your apprenticeship given you professionally and personally that the traditional academic route might not have given you?
Ollie Eskriett: For me, professionally, it has opened my eyes more to how a business works; what works in one area may not work in another, or more perspective on why something has to be followed in a certain way. It has also let me follow a career path that may not have been a clear option if I went to university, as over the years I can learn new skills and practice these day-to-day in a real-life environment. It may not always be the correct way, but that’s what apprenticeships are for, learning and developing new skills within a real working environment. Personally, it has given me confidence to believe in decisions and has grown me as a person. My apprenticeship has shaped me through meeting with people and learning new processes that I didn’t know existed.
Adam Burgoyne: Professionally, it has allowed me to understand a much wider remit within the business, understanding departments’ processes and how they all interact within a manufacturing business. This would have likely been all theory based in academia, lacking the practical hands-on approach that we use. Personally, I’ve made some great friends during my apprenticeship, and nearly a decade of hands-on experience has played a huge role in shaping both my career and who I am today.
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 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, with aspirations to progress to CEO or Managing Director, 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.
The accounts from Ollie, Adam and Stuart in this blog prove that we don’t just train apprentices, we create careers. It is more than possible to rise through the ranks at Brandauer, with excellent support and developmental opportunities available.
If you are a young person looking for a similar career pathway, you can find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities by clicking the button below.
For any further questions you might have, please get in touch with us by clicking the button below. You can also follow us on LinkedIn to keep up with the latest news from Brandauer.
