Testing services firm invests £2m in apprenticeships across UK and Ireland operations

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, a global provider of testing, inspection and certification services, has invested approximately £2 million (€2.34 million) in apprenticeship programmes over the past five years, supporting more than 450 employees through structured learning pathways.

According to pbctoday, 2025 marked a record year with 130 new apprentices commencing their learning journeys, the highest single-year intake in the company's history. The organisation currently maintains over 200 active apprentices supported by more than 120 managers.

Lisa Massey, HR director at SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, said: "This investment isn't just about numbers – it's about creating genuine career pathways and recognising the exceptional talent we have throughout the business, from early careers apprentices to upskilling employees at every stage of their career."

The apprenticeship portfolio spans 50 different courses delivered through 26 providers, accommodating both early career professionals and employees seeking career transitions or skills enhancement at any career stage.

Career progression within the organisation is exemplified by Lee Dando, who joined as rig co-ordinator in 2017 and became field operations director in early 2025. Dando, who brought 35 years of industry experience, progressed through business improvement manager roles across eight years with structured development support.

Nathan Finnan's trajectory demonstrates the company's approach to mid-career development. With extensive experience in groundworks and project coordination, Finnan pursued professional development with organisational support and is progressing towards a senior project manager role.

The company's learning and development achievements have earned external recognition, including a Gold rating in The 5% Club, which acknowledges employers with at least 5% of their workforce on accredited learning programmes. SOCOTEC also received a Great Place to Work rating in 2025 and appeared in The Sunday Times' Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list.

Explore the complete details on SOCOTEC's apprenticeship investment and workforce development strategy.