NPS Engineering Group’s Katie Dymond-Brook is a massive advocate of Apprenticeships and believes Apprentices are the answer to succession planning for their business.
As Group HR Manager, Katie shapes the organisation’s approach to workforce growth and capability. The business itself began in 1987 as Northern Pump Suppliers and has since evolved into the wider NPS Engineering Group, which includes Northern Pump Suppliers, NPS GRP, and NPS Fabrications.
Succession Planning
The group continues to invest heavily in manufacturing and team development, with apprenticeships forming a crucial part of its long-term people strategy.
Katie explains,
“The largest benefit for the business is the succession planning for our teams. There is a skills gap in engineering, and by recruiting apprentices year on year we keep new talent coming through the business.”
Katie says that apprentices quickly begin contributing in meaningful ways, and although productivity can dip at first, the long‑term gains are clear. As she puts it: “During the first year, productivity drops across the team because so much time goes into helping the apprentice learn. After that, we start to see efficiency rise and a real return on investment, and it continues to grow from there.”
Fresh Perspectives
Apprentices are encouraged to contribute ideas, and Katie highlights how their fresh thinking makes meaningful impact in their team: “One of our apprentices noticed rainwater collecting in a kiosk due to the design required. Their suggestion was to drill a couple of small holes to allow this water to drain – something we have now implemented thanks to their observation. Another apprentice suggestion we had was to implement client specification sheets as a quick visual guide. This has increased efficiency and confidence within our teams.”
She adds that apprenticeships allow the business to “share our specific business knowledge from day one,” ensuring skills are developed in alignment with their unique working environment.
A Valuable Partnership
Their long-standing partnership with Bradford College is another key element of their success. Katie shares that it is “one we truly value,” noting that “Bradford College understands our business, the motivators and culture we encourage,” which helps them recruit apprentices who fit well.
She praises the college’s responsiveness, saying, “everyone is incredibly responsive… Recruitment for apprentices can be incredibly competitive, so prompt communication both ways really give us an advantage,” and concludes, “I absolutely would recommend Bradford College. Every individual I have worked with directly or indirectly has always gone above and beyond.”
A long-term Investment
For NPS Engineering Group, apprenticeships are a meaningful long-term investment. Katie states, without a doubt they are cost effective, adding that their return comes from “retaining those skills once our apprentices are fully qualified.”
She emphasises the importance of nurturing new starters through the steep learning curve of entering full time work and describes succession planning as essential.
“What we do in our industry is niche” she explained, “By teaching apprentices from the very start of their career, we can overcome these learning curves from the very start.” The wider workforce also benefits, as Katie explains: “We have had positive feedback around sharing new ideas, ways of working and the fulfilment of passing through knowledge to apprentices.”
Success and Progression
Success stories are plentiful, with Katie noting that “our apprentices have achievements day in day out. She particularly values watching people grow in confidence and celebrates individual accomplishments. A perfect example of this was Joshua Coates achieving a distinction in his work and winning Engineering Apprentice of the Year.
Progression is common and encouraged across the business. “James started with us as a Mechanical Apprentice and we were then able to put together a development plan which he is approximately halfway through now and is doing fantastically.” Equally, Joshua started with us as a Mechanical Apprentice but also developed a keen eye for detail on the electrical side and is now being supported through his Electrical apprenticeship.
Katie’s Advice to Other Employers
Her advice to other employers is clear: “Plan beyond the apprenticeship tenure, you want to ensure you have the resource to invest the time in training apprentices fully, as shortcuts will hinder progress and potential. Apprenticeships are incredibly rewarding, however, it is something which requires stringent planning to ensure the highest chance of success.”
NPS Engineering Group’s experience shows how powerful apprenticeships can be when they’re treated as a long‑term investment. Under Katie Dymond-Brook’s guidance, the business has built a steady pipeline of skilled, confident people who strengthen the organisation year after year. With fresh ideas coming in, specialist knowledge being passed on and strong support from Bradford College, apprenticeships have become a cornerstone of the group’s future.