Partnership Strengthens Through Apprenticeships

Intelect is celebrating a thriving partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education after welcoming its third Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) apprentice in the past six years. To mark the milestone, the three apprentices gathered at the KP Factory in Billingham, one of the sites where Intelect currently operates, to celebrate their shared successes and the strength of the collaborative training programme.

The ongoing decision by Intelect to consistently choose Hartlepool College highlights the importance of strong employer-educator thinking. By investing in high-quality, continuous local training, Intelect ensures its workforce is equipped with industry-leading expertise to maintain a robust safety culture, while the College proves its ability to deliver tailored education that meets the exact demands of the modern engineering and manufacturing sectors.

The newest addition to this partnership is Charlie Booth, who began his Safety, Health and Environment Technician Level 3 apprenticeship in August 2026. He follows in the highly successful footsteps of his predecessors.

Luke Featherstone, Intelect’s first SHE apprentice at the College, set a high standard by achieving triple distinctions in his End Point Assessment (EPA) when he completed his training approximately three years ago. Maddie Williams, the second apprentice to complete the programme, matched Luke’s triple distinctions in her EPA and went on to secure the prestigious title of Apprentice of the Year for both Intelect and Hartlepool College.

Mike Cook, SHEQ Manager at Intelect, said: “At Intelect, we see apprenticeships as a vital part of developing the skilled workforce of the future, and our experience with Hartlepool College’s Health and Safety apprenticeship programme has been extremely positive.

“Health and safety is fundamental to everything we do, so investing in people and developing their knowledge and understanding in this area is incredibly important to us.

“We’ve really valued our relationship with Hartlepool College throughout the programme, with particular recognition going to Cliff Down, who has successfully supported all of our apprentices so far.

“The commitment, attitude and progression shown by both Maddie and Luke are a real testament to both them and the programme, and we’re proud to have supported them on their journey. We look forward to seeing Charlie follow in their footsteps and achieve his qualification.”

The sustained relationship with a major employer like Intelect demonstrates how dedicated support from Hartlepool College directly benefits both the apprentices and the regional economy.

Cliff Down, a Lecturer in Employability Services and in the Fabrication and Welding Engineering School at Hartlepool College, said: “Intelect recruit well, and I personally feel that we at Hartlepool College of Further Education have a responsibility to work in partnership with the employer to ensure the apprentice becomes the best in their field.”