Welcome to Yorkshire
News • September 16th, 2026
|Spencer Group, a Hull-based engineering firm, has made headlines by welcoming nine new apprentices to its team, with four of them being young women. This impressive figure of 44% female apprentices is more than double the national average in the engineering sector, which stands at just 20%. The new apprentices include seven civil engineering degree apprentices, one commercial apprentice, and one Level 3 business administration apprentice, who will be working with Spencer Group's sister company, Layer8.
Encouraging Women in Engineering
Spencer Group's commitment to increasing female representation in engineering is evident through its efforts to create a supportive and inclusive workplace. The company has actively worked to break down barriers that have traditionally kept women out of the engineering field. This is reflected in the rise of female applicants at Spencer Group, which has jumped from a mere 2.6% in 2019 to an impressive 27% in 2026.
To further this initiative, Spencer Group collaborates with local educational institutions, such as Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC). By engaging with students early on, the company aims to inspire young women to consider careers in engineering. Representatives from Spencer Group regularly conduct workshops and career talks at the UTC, sharing their experiences and showing that women can thrive in this still male-dominated industry.
Apprentice Experiences
Among the new apprentices, Lucie Metcalfe is excited about her journey. After completing her A-Levels at Ron Dearing UTC, she appreciated the welcoming application process at Spencer Group:
“The team rang me at each stage of the process, then invited me for an interview, so it felt more personal than with other companies.”
Lucie values the opportunity to rotate through different departments, which allows her to explore various roles within the company.
Another new apprentice, Grace Campbell, joined Spencer Group after studying A-Levels at South Hunsley School and Sixth Form. She explained her decision to pursue an apprenticeship instead of going to university:
“The cost of university really put me off, so being able to work while continuing to learn seemed like the best of both worlds. I did work experience at Spencer Group during Sixth Form, and everyone was so nice and welcoming.”
Supportive Environment
To ensure that apprentices feel supported, each new recruit is paired with a 'buddy' from a previous cohort. This system helps new apprentices navigate their early experiences in the company. Lucie mentioned, “My buddy is also a female, so it’s really nice to have someone to go to with any questions who has recently been in my position.”
Group HR Director Yvonne Moir expressed her delight at the new intake, particularly noting the significant number of female apprentices:
“It’s a powerful demonstration of our commitment to continuing to break down barriers to women entering engineering and to encouraging more young females to consider a career in the industry.”
Investing in the Future
Spencer Group’s dedication to developing young talent is evident in its track record. Over the past eight years, the company has recruited a total of 77 apprentices, achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate for those who have completed their studies. This year’s cohort is a step towards addressing skills gaps in the engineering industry, which is vital for the sector’s future.
Jack Simms, a civil engineering degree apprentice, is following in the footsteps of his brother, Luke, who is also an apprentice at Spencer Group. Luke was recently shortlisted for an award, showcasing the opportunities available to those who join the company.
“Doing an apprenticeship was an obvious choice for me. I don’t want to have student debt when I’m older, so an apprenticeship allows me to earn while I learn.”
Spencer Group’s efforts to open doors for young women in engineering are not only commendable but also essential for fostering a more inclusive workforce in a traditionally male-dominated field. By actively engaging with local schools, creating supportive environments for apprentices, and breaking down barriers, Spencer Group is paving the way for future generations of engineers in Yorkshire and beyond.
