Penny Owen, ESG Director, NPL Apprenticeship Programme Executive Sponsor
As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL plays a critical role in advancing measurement science, a discipline underpinning everything from healthcare diagnostics to climate monitoring and emerging technologies. Yet, like many STEM organisations, NPL faces a persistent challenge: a national shortage of skilled workers.
To help address this, we offer a range of apprenticeship programmes, including Metrology, IT and Engineering. These programmes provide hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications, equipping apprentices with the skills they need to thrive in STEM careers. Whether learners are finishing school, seeking a career change, or looking to upskill in a current role, NPL apprenticeships offer a flexible and inclusive pathway into the workforce.
There are currently 33 people enrolled on apprenticeships at NPL and, this year, we expanded our offering with two new Level 4 programmes: the Software Engineering and Network Engineering apprenticeships. These additions reflect our commitment to addressing skills gaps in key technical areas and creating new entry points for technology careers.
But apprenticeships are more than training programmes – they’re a strategic investment in NPL’s future. By tailoring programmes to specific skills and training needs, we build a highly skilled, motivated workforce aligned with both the needs and values of the business. Apprenticeships also help close skills gaps and boost productivity by training individuals in emerging skills not yet widely taught in traditional educational settings.
Importantly, apprenticeships allow us to tap into a broader talent pool, which fosters diversity and inclusion. We have many initiatives to ensure we are continuously learning and striving to create a culture of inclusion, including our Diversity and Inclusion campaign – ‘Stronger Together, Everyone Matters’ – to challenge stereotypes affecting people’s decisions to work in the STEM sector. Apprenticeships also contribute to ensuring continuity, innovation and resilience, by developing a pipeline of talent that understands the business inside and out.
Financially, apprenticeships are a smart investment. With government funding and the Apprenticeship Levy available to offset training costs, they offer an effective learning and development solution. They also strengthen NPL’s employer brand, signalling a commitment to employee development and social responsibility. Many apprentices secure permanent roles or promotions, contributing to long-term workforce stability. Since 2013, 74 % of apprentices who completed their apprenticeship secured a permanent role at NPL, with 61 % of those still working here today.
Supporting early-career professionals is a core priority at NPL, reflected in initiatives such as the Work Experience Academy, the Graduate Science and Engineering Programme and the Postgraduate Institute for Measurement Science. These efforts, alongside outreach activities, aim to inspire future generations, promote the value of science and technology, and showcase NPL’s impactful work.
Recognition and voices from the programme
Our commitment has been recognised with the Institute of Physics (IoP) Apprenticeship Employer Award (2021), for inspiring the next generation and fostering innovation. Several apprentices have also earned prestigious accolades: Daniel Smith (IoP Apprentice Award, 2024) for advancing nuclear technologies; Saskia Burke (Technical Skills Award, 2023) celebrating the role of apprentices in advancing physics; Tyler Smith (Richmond College Apprentice of the Year, 2023); and Jamie Mewburn-Crook (IoP Apprentice Award, 2020) for developing a bone-tissue-equivalent thermoplastic material for use in 3D-printing.
Apprentices themselves speak highly of their experience. Engineering apprentice Ester Rowland shared, “The thing I like most about doing an apprenticeship is being able to learn the skills I need through practical experience.” Junior Measurement Science Apprentice Umar Akram added, “I love the amount of opportunities at NPL. I get to express myself and be creative whilst also learning, earning and meeting new people.”
Useful links
- Apprenticeships at NPL: https://www.npl.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships
- Careers at NPL: https://www.npl.co.uk/careers
- NPL as an NMI: https://www.npl.co.uk/about-us/national-metrology-institute
- The benefits of apprenticeships for your business: Find training and employment schemes for your business – Apprenticeships
Estimate the funding that could be available towards training apprentices: Understanding apprenticeship benefits and funding.
