Smiths strengthens its commitment to apprenticeships

Smiths, the leading industrial engineering company, is marking National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February 2026), by highlighting the impact of its growing apprenticeship programme, reinforcing how structured training supports talent development, business performance and long-term skills growth. 

Across the UK, apprenticeships remain a vital route into employment and skills development. Through a focused and coordinated approach led by its Apprentice Steering Group, Smiths has successfully maximised the use of its Apprenticeship Levy, ensuring investment is directed back into people and capability rather than being returned unused. Smiths has also strengthened oversight of training providers and driven a more joined-up approach to apprenticeships across the organisation. 

Today, Smiths has 93 apprentices on a range of learning pathways across the company. Of these, 51 are new early-career recruits, joining the organisation through apprenticeship standards spanning Engineering, Accounting, Marketing, Data, HR, Business Administration, IT and Software. These programmes help attract diverse early-career talent while creating clear pathways into skilled, long-term careers. 

The remaining apprentices are employees who are upskilling or reskilling through apprenticeship standards in areas such as Coaching, Leadership and Management, Lean Methodologies, Digital Technologies and Project Management. This approach supports career progression, strengthens leadership capability and ensures skills continue to evolve in line with business needs. 

Roland Carter, CEO of Smiths, said: “At Smiths, our vision is to be an incubator of STEM talent, developing the next generation who will help shape our future. We are laying the foundations for that vision through a dedicated focus on talent development and clear, structured career pathways across the company.

“Apprenticeships are a vital part of this approach. They help us nurture the skills we need for tomorrow while supporting the colleagues who drive our business today. Whether someone is starting out in their career or building new capabilities mid way through it, these programmes give us a powerful way to invest in people, deepen our expertise and create meaningful long term opportunities.”

Smiths currently works with approximately 19 training providers across the UK, enabling access to specialist expertise while maintaining consistency and quality across programmes. 

By investing in apprenticeships at every career stage, Smiths is reinforcing its commitment to skills development, employee growth and long-term business sustainability, supporting both individuals and the future of engineering and professional excellence. 

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About Smiths
For 175 years, we have been pioneers of progress, engineering a better future. Our strategy is to be a focused, efficient and value creating industrial engineering company operating in the attractive and growing market segments of energy, industrials, construction and aerospace. For more information visit www.smiths.com.