Boasting a reputation as one of Gloucestershire's leading independent training providers, Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET) continues to be at the forefront of skills development for the engineering industry in the county, after nearly 50 years of supporting local businesses.
From its state-of-the-art training facility in Barnwood, Gloucester, GET nurtures the county's next generation of engineering talent through the range of apprenticeships it offers, as well as commercial training designed to equip workforces with the skills businesses need to thrive.
As a registered charity, GET operates with a clear mission: to enhance the engineering sector, not to generate profit, with any surplus funding being reinvested into the organisation, enabling the improvement of facilities, teaching, and learner support.
A collaborative and responsive leadership model – which includes close engagement with local businesses, industry partners, national bodies including Skills England and employer-led Trailblazer groups, and a board of governors – ensures its training remains closely aligned with industry demands, continuously adapting its curriculum to ensure compliance with evolving regulations, while equipping learners with up-to-date, future-focused skills.
Apprenticeships at Gloucestershire Engineering Training
Initially founded to bridge the skills gap in traditional engineering disciplines, GET’s training provision has expanded significantly over the years. Today, it delivers high-quality apprenticeship training in areas such as aviation, oil and gas, automotive, metrology, medical technology, and sustainability, among others.
GET supports employers with the recruitment process, helping to identify the right apprenticeship pathway for both parties, offering initial assessments and support with all associated administration and access to funding.
The first year focusses on providing underpinning foundation training whilst at GET's Barnwood centre. Once complete, GET then supports the transition into company assessing and the training carried out in the workplace. The apprenticeship is a tri-party agreement between the apprentice, employer and GET, all working in partnership to navigate successful completion of their apprenticeship.
Current apprenticeship courses include Engineering Operative Level 2, Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3, Machining Technician Level 3, Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3, Engineering Fitter Level 3, Metal Fabricator Level 3, Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4, and Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 4.
Skills training and stand-alone courses with Gloucestershire Engineering Training
In addition to apprenticeships, GET also provides bespoke skill training courses which are tailor-made to meet the needs of businesses. Skills covered include pneumatics, electrical, electronics, CNC, machining, welding and maintenance, which can either be held at GET or at the company's facilities.
It also offers several stand-alone, further and higher education courses, including a Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge) Level 3, Level 3 competence and skills qualifications in maintenance, machining, welding and technical support, and a HNC (Higher National Certificate) and HND (Higher National Diploma) in General Engineering.
Facilities at Gloucestershire Engineering Training
GET's training facility spans 22,000 sq ft of workshop and classroom space, combining traditional equipment with state-of-the-art technology. The centre supports up to 125 new enrolments annually, most of whom complete their first full year of off-the-job training onsite.
The provider was recently successful in securing 'transformational' funding from the US-based Gene Haas Foundation, which exists to fund manufacturing education worldwide. That funding enabled it to open a dedicated higher education facility in September 2025, offering advanced pathways for learners seeking to progress into higher-level technical roles.
Additionally, the grant has funded significant upgrades to the existing training centre, enhancing both machinery and digital infrastructure to keep pace with evolving industry standards.
What businesses say about working with Gloucestershire Engineering Training
Toby Risbey, staff engineer and apprentice manager at Cheltenham-based firm Mira Showers, said the company's experience of working with GET has been 'extremely positive', praising its well-structured training programmes, communication and collaborative approach which 'significantly reduces the administrative and developmental burden' for the employer, enabling them to focus on on-the-job training.
He added that the 'technical awareness, willingness to learn and professionalism' demonstrated by the apprentices reflects the quality of its programme, with consistent off-the-job training providing them with the 'solid grounding' they need to succeed in the workplace.
To find out more information about taking on an apprentice for your business, or skills training for your workforce with GET, visit get-trained.org.
