Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026: How Apprenticeships Shape Careers at British Engines

Sam Lawson’s Journey from Apprentice to Production Engineer at CMP

At British Engines, apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent. Across the Group, including CMP Products, apprentices are supported to build strong technical skills, confidence, and long‑term career pathways.

CMP proudly welcomes apprentices each year into production, engineering, and business support roles, helping young people lay the foundations for successful and rewarding careers within British Engines.

One such success story is Sam Lawson, who joined CMP as a CNC Machining Apprentice and has since progressed into the role of Production Engineer. We recently caught up with Sam to learn more about his journey and how his apprenticeship shaped his career.

Starting Out at CMP

Sam joined CMP seven years ago at the age of 17, unsure whether sixth form or university was the right path for him.

“I was studying subjects I enjoyed, but I couldn’t see a clear career path. I knew I wanted something more hands‑on.”

Having completed work experience with engineers using similar machinery, Sam decided an apprenticeship was the right route. British Engines stood out to him for its strong reputation and genuine commitment to developing young people.

“I applied because British Engines offers excellent apprenticeship programmes and really invests in its apprentices.”

Learning on the Job

During his apprenticeship, Sam spent his first two years rotating across different areas of CNC machining before being placed on shift on a specific machine in his third year. What stood out most was the level of responsibility apprentices are given at CMP.

“I wasn’t just watching – I was operating the machines myself. That hands‑on experience helped me learn much faster.”

Working alongside experienced colleagues across the shop floor allowed Sam to build strong technical knowledge while developing confidence in a real production environment.

Progression into Engineering

Towards the end of his apprenticeship, Sam noticed a Production Engineer role advertised internally. Confident in his machine knowledge and eager to progress, he applied.

“I already had experience with the machines, so I wanted to show my interest in progressing within the business.”

Sam was successful in securing the role and was able to continue his apprenticeship learning alongside his new position, demonstrating the flexibility and support offered within CMP and the wider British Engines Group.

From Apprentice to Production Engineer

Moving from the shop floor into an engineering role marked a significant change.

“As an apprentice, my work was more repetitive. Now, every day is different – I’m faced with new challenges and a range of projects.”

His apprenticeship proved invaluable preparation for the role.

“When I started, I didn’t even know what a CNC machine was. Now I understand the machines, tooling, and how parts are made, which means I can identify where improvements can be made.”

Today, Sam enjoys greater independence, variety, and the opportunity to bring his own ideas forward.

A Role with Variety and Impact

For Sam, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Production Engineer is the team environment and the breadth of exposure across the business.

“We have great relationships and good communication. The role gives you freedom to take ownership of projects, and the variety makes the job really engaging.”

Advice for Future Apprentices

Sam’s advice to new apprentices reflects the supportive culture found across British Engines companies:

It’s important to stick in and stay engaged while doing your apprenticeship. At the same time, I would advise people to speak up about their ideas and bring forward solutions to challenges.

Building Careers at British Engines

Sam’s story highlights how British Engines apprenticeships don’t just provide qualifications – they create real career opportunities. Through structured training, hands‑on experience, and internal progression, apprentices at CMP and across the Group are empowered to shape their own futures.