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News • July 28th, 2026
|Spencer Group, a Hull-based engineering company, is celebrating a remarkable achievement as five of its degree apprentices have graduated with First-Class Honours degrees. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of the company's commitment to employer-led learning, which has proven to be a long-term investment in both the apprentices and the future of the business.
Celebrating Achievements
The successful graduates, all aged 24, include Tom Dubej, Oliver Wilkinson, Matthew Hunter, Alistair Sceats, and Jack Waslin. They have completed their studies while working full-time at Spencer Group, demonstrating that it is possible to gain a strong education while also gaining practical experience in the workplace. Their hard work and dedication have allowed them to earn the highest academic classifications in their respective degrees.
Oliver, Alistair, and Jack pursued Civil Engineering Degrees at Leeds Beckett University. Tom completed a Construction Management Degree at the same university, while Matthew achieved a Professional Practice in Quantity Surveying Degree at Sheffield Hallam University. This impressive academic success showcases the effectiveness of Spencer Group's apprenticeship programmes, which blend hands-on learning with academic study.
Employer-Led Apprenticeship Programmes
Spencer Group's apprenticeship programmes are designed to address the UK's engineering skills shortage and provide an alternative to traditional university routes. The apprenticeships allow young people to earn a salary while studying, gaining years of practical experience without the burden of student debt. This approach aligns with the recent commitment from Prime Minister Andy Burnham to balance technical and academic qualifications and ensure education meets local job market needs.
Tom Dubej: Construction Management Degree
Oliver Wilkinson: Civil Engineering Degree
Matthew Hunter: Professional Practice in Quantity Surveying Degree
Alistair Sceats: Civil Engineering Degree
Jack Waslin: Civil Engineering Degree
The success of these five graduates reflects Spencer Group's ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers. The company has employed over 70 students from Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in various apprentice roles since the UTC opened in 2017. This partnership creates a direct pathway from education to high-value engineering careers, ensuring a steady flow of young talent into the industry.
Personal Experiences
Matthew Hunter, now a Quantity Surveyor, shared his thoughts on the apprenticeship route: "I’m a hands-on learner and really benefit from learning alongside physically doing things, so doing an apprenticeship through to degree level has really allowed me to do that. An apprenticeship really gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to get the hands-on practical experience as well as the technical qualifications, all while earning a wage and not getting into student debt. So, for me, there’s no question, I’d 100% recommend a degree apprenticeship."
This sentiment is echoed by Spencer Group's Founder and Chairman, Charlie Spencer OBE, who expressed pride in the achievements of the five degree apprentices. He stated, "Their exceptional results are a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication, as well as to the support and guidance offered by their mentors within the business. These exceptional young people have earned outstanding academic qualifications while gaining real-world experience on major engineering projects and building successful careers. They represent exactly the kind of skilled professionals our industry needs."
The Future of Engineering in Yorkshire
The achievements of these graduates not only mark a personal success but also contribute to the wider goal of strengthening the UK's engineering sector. By fostering strong partnerships between employers, educators, and universities, Spencer Group is helping to create lasting opportunities for young people. This model of employer-led education can serve as an example for other businesses looking to invest in the future of their workforce.
As the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow, the innovative approach taken by Spencer Group positions the company as a leader in developing the next generation of professionals. The combination of academic excellence and practical experience equips these young engineers with the skills needed to thrive in the industry, ensuring that the future of engineering in Yorkshire remains bright.
The celebration of these graduates serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in education and training that aligns with the needs of local industries. By providing young people with the tools they need to succeed, Spencer Group is not only enhancing its workforce but also contributing to the economic growth of the region.
