Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Engineering Training & Industry Support in Yate
Established in 1936, the British Engineering Manufacturers Association (BEMA) has grown to become the largest engineering trade association in the South West of England. Our organisation was founded on principles of mutual support and collaboration, values we continue to uphold while adapting to modern industry needs. We provide comprehensive support to member companies through consultancy services, recruitment solutions, and specialised training programs. Our dedicated training centre addresses the critical shortage of qualified engineers by delivering hands-on apprenticeship programs and workforce development initiatives. With a membership spanning from Worcestershire to Cornwall and beyond, we maintain a strong regional presence while addressing national industry challenges.Our council of industry professionals meets monthly to ensure strategic governance and continuous improvement of our services. Through partnerships like our collaboration with Swatpro Academy, we stay at the forefront of apprenticeship standards and policy developments. Our facilities in Yate, Bristol, house state-of-the-art training workshops that have supported over 1,000 apprentices since opening in 2014. We combine historical expertise with modern training methodologies to develop both technical competencies and essential personal skills in engineering professionals. Our commitment to excellence was recognised in 2018 when one of our trained apprentices won the national Intermediate & Advanced First Year Apprentice Award.
Services
Apprenticeship Training
Engineering Consultancy
Workforce Development
Health & Safety Training
Graduate Development
End-Point Assessment
Recruitment Support
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- We have over 85 years of experience supporting engineering manufacturers
- Our dedicated training centre delivers hands-on engineering apprenticeships
- We maintain regional industry representation from Worcestershire to Cornwall
- Our partnership with Swatpro Academy ensures policy compliance expertise
- We've trained over 1,000 apprentices since 2014
Services
Apprenticeship Training
Our comprehensive apprenticeship programs combine practical training with theoretical knowledge. We deliver government-approved standards across multiple engineering disciplines, preparing apprentices for immediate industry contribution. Our facility includes modern workshops and experienced instructors to ensure high-quality training outcomes.
Workforce Development
We provide tailored training solutions for existing engineering professionals. Our programs address current industry challenges through practical skill enhancement and compliance training. The curriculum evolves with technological advancements to maintain workforce competitiveness in manufacturing sectors.
Engineering Consultancy
Our consultancy services help member companies navigate regulatory requirements and operational challenges. We offer expert guidance on apprenticeship levy management, recruitment strategies, and compliance matters. This support helps businesses focus on core manufacturing activities while maintaining industry standards.
End-Point Assessment
We conduct independent assessments for engineering apprenticeships according to national standards. Our assessment process evaluates both practical competencies and theoretical understanding. This service ensures apprentices meet industry requirements before completing their training programs.
Graduate Development
Our graduate programs bridge academic knowledge with practical engineering skills. Participants gain hands-on experience through structured training modules aligned with industry needs. This development pathway creates work-ready professionals who can immediately contribute to engineering operations.
People
Bryan Young
President
As current President of BEMA, Bryan Young leads strategic governance and industry representation. With extensive manufacturing experience, he chairs monthly council meetings that shape the association's direction and service offerings.
Bob Meredith
Council Member
Retired industry professional Bob Meredith contributes his expertise to BEMA's council. His insights help shape training programs and membership services that reflect real-world engineering requirements across various manufacturing sectors.
Andrew Simpson
Council Member
Representing Apex Pumps Ltd, Andrew Simpson brings practical manufacturing perspective to BEMA's governance. His council contributions help maintain alignment between training offerings and current industry needs across South West England.
Questions
What engineering apprenticeship standards do you offer?
We offer seven government-approved apprenticeship standards covering various engineering disciplines. Our programs include mechanical, electrical, and maintenance pathways with regular updates to match industry developments.
How does BEMA support member companies?
We provide consultancy on apprenticeship levy management, recruitment solutions, and compliance training. Our council of industry professionals ensures member needs directly shape our service offerings and strategic direction.
Where is your training centre located?
Our purpose-built training facility is at 5A Stover Road, Yate, Bristol BS37 5JN. The centre features modern workshops and equipment to deliver practical engineering training aligned with current industry standards.
What areas do you serve across England?
While based in South West England, our membership extends from Worcestershire in the north to Cornwall in the south, with companies operating as far east as Surrey and west into South Wales.
How can employers access apprenticeship training?
Employers can access our apprenticeship programs through direct contact or via our website. We offer levy transfer arrangements and support with apprentice recruitment to help businesses develop skilled engineering teams.
