MMES 2012 Ltd - Somerset Careers Awards Winners 2026

MMES 2012 Ltd are the winners of the Somerset Careers Awards Inspiring the Next Generation Award (1-249 employees) 2026.

Find out more about the work that has led to this accolade and how the team plan to continue to inspire the young people of Somerset.

What project, initiative, or activity did your organisation lead that contributed to winning this award?

Our organisation was recognised with the Inspiring the Next Generation Award due to our long-term commitment to developing future talent through apprenticeships and creating clear pathways into sustainable careers within the Electrical sector. A key part of our success has been our dedication to recruiting, supporting and developing apprentices at all levels. We are particularly proud of achieving a 90% apprentice retention rate following programme completion, demonstrating that our investment in training leads to meaningful, long-term employment opportunities. Apprentices are given structured development plans, mentoring, hands-on experience and ongoing support to help them build the skills and confidence needed for successful careers. Collaboration has been central to our approach. We work closely with Hinkley Point C and EDF, aligning our apprenticeship programmes with industry needs and ensuring apprentices gain exposure to real-world projects and career opportunities within one of the UK's most significant infrastructure developments. These partnerships help us provide relevant training, practical experience and clear progression routes into the sector. We have also developed a strong working relationship with UCS College Group, enabling us to support learners throughout their training journey. By working collaboratively with education providers, we help bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace application, ensuring apprentices gain both the technical knowledge and practical skills required by employers. Our strategy focuses not only on recruitment but also on retention, progression and career development. By creating a supportive learning environment, maintaining strong industry partnerships and investing in the growth of young people, we have helped inspire the next generation of skilled professionals while addressing future workforce needs within the Electrical industry.

What impact did this work have on your organisation and the people or communities you worked with?

The impact of our apprenticeship programme has been significant for both our organisation and the wider community. By investing in young people and creating meaningful career opportunities, we have helped develop a skilled workforce while supporting local employment and economic growth. One of our most notable achievements is our 90% apprentice retention rate following programme completion. This demonstrates that apprentices are not only gaining valuable qualifications and experience but are also choosing to build long-term careers with our organisation. As a result, we have strengthened our workforce pipeline, reduced recruitment challenges and retained valuable skills and knowledge within the business. For apprentices, the programme has provided a clear route into high-quality employment within the engineering and energy sectors. Through mentoring, practical experience and ongoing development opportunities, individuals have gained confidence, technical expertise and professional skills that have enabled them to progress in their careers. Many apprentices have moved into permanent roles and continue to develop within the organisation, becoming role models for new entrants joining the programme. Our partnerships with Hinkley Point C, EDF and UCS College Group have further enhanced these outcomes. By working closely with industry and education partners, we have been able to offer apprentices access to real-world projects, industry-recognised training and valuable career pathways. This collaboration has helped ensure that training remains relevant to employer needs while giving learners the best possible start to their careers. The wider community has also benefited from our commitment to apprenticeships. By creating opportunities for local people to gain qualifications and secure employment, we have helped inspire more young people to consider careers in engineering, energy and construction. Schools, colleges and families have responded positively to seeing clear examples of local career success and progression. Feedback from apprentices, partners and managers consistently highlights the value of the programme, particularly the supportive environment, hands-on experience and opportunities for long-term career development. The success of our apprentices and the strong retention rates achieved are a testament to the positive and lasting impact of our approach, helping to inspire the next generation while meeting the future skills needs of the industry.

Since receiving the award, what immediate benefits or positive effects have you noticed for your organisation?

Receiving the Inspiring the Next Generation Award has already had a positive impact on our organisation by recognising the commitment we have made to developing apprentices and supporting future talent within the engineering and energy sectors. The award has provided valuable external recognition of the success of our apprenticeship programme and has reinforced the importance of investing in people. It has been a source of pride for our employees, mentors and apprentices, boosting staff morale and validating the hard work that goes into supporting and developing the next generation of skilled professionals. The recognition has also helped raise the profile of our organisation among existing and potential partners, highlighting our reputation as an employer that is committed to training, development and long-term career opportunities. This strengthens our relationships with key stakeholders, including Hinkley Point C, EDF and UCS College Group, and demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration between employers and education providers. In terms of future impact, we anticipate that the award will further enhance our credibility and visibility within the sector, making us an even more attractive employer for prospective apprentices and young people considering a career in engineering and energy. It will also support our efforts to engage with schools, colleges and training providers, helping to inspire more individuals to pursue vocational pathways and careers in the industry. The award provides a platform to showcase the success stories of our apprentices and the positive outcomes of our programme, creating opportunities to expand our talent pipeline and develop new partnerships. Ultimately, we expect this recognition to strengthen our ability to attract, develop and retain skilled people while continuing to contribute to the growth of the local workforce and the wider industry.

What are your plans for continuing, developing or expanding this work in the year ahead?

We are pleased to be welcoming six adult Electrical Apprentices and four school leaver Electrical Apprentices, all of whom will begin their apprenticeship journeys with us. In addition, we have recruited a Level 4 Quantity Surveying Apprentice and a Supply Chain and Procurement Apprentice, who will be starting their courses in September and October. These new apprenticeships reflect our commitment to developing skills across a range of disciplines and creating opportunities for people at different stages of their careers. Alongside recruiting new apprentices, we are continuing to invest in the development of our existing workforce. We are actively exploring additional training and professional development opportunities to help employees enhance their skills, achieve qualifications and progress within the organisation. This ensures that learning and development remain embedded within our culture and supports long-term career growth for all employees. We will also continue to strengthen our relationships with Hinkley Point C, EDF and UCS College Group, working collaboratively to ensure our training programmes remain aligned with industry needs and future workforce demands. These partnerships will help us provide high-quality learning experiences and clear progression pathways for both apprentices and existing employees. Our aim is to further expand our talent pipeline, maintain our high apprentice retention rates and continue inspiring people to pursue careers in engineering, construction, commercial and supply chain professions. By investing in people, developing new skills and creating opportunities for progression, we hope to build an even stronger workforce while continuing to support the future needs of the industry and the local community.

Find out more about MMES 2012 Ltd on their website and LinkedIn page. 
Email the team: [email protected]