Over 120 vacancies and growing apprenticeship programme reflect continued expansion across WEC Group.
Blackburn with Darwen, 26th May 2026 – Engineering and fabrication specialist WEC Group is celebrating another year of significant growth, having expanded its workforce from approximately 900 to more than 1,100 employees over the past 12 months. The increase has been driven by continued investment, major contract awards and rising demand across the group’s UK manufacturing operations.
Operating from 10 manufacturing facilities across Blackburn with Darwen, Rotherham, Knowsley, Coventry, Sherburn-in-Elmet and Bournemouth, WEC Group continues to strengthen its position through ongoing investment in its people, advanced technology, manufacturing capability and production facilities. With a healthy order book and a strong pipeline of future work, the business remains well positioned for continued expansion.
To support this growth, WEC Group is currently recruiting for more than 120 positions across a wide range of engineering, manufacturing and business support roles. Alongside these opportunities, around 40 apprentices are expected to join the business through the WEC Engineering Academy this September, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to developing skilled engineering talent.
Applications are also still open for 15 apprenticeship positions at MTL Advanced in Rotherham, providing further opportunities for those looking to begin a career in engineering and manufacturing while supporting the group’s ongoing investment in future skills.
Investment across the business continues at pace. A key focus has been the expansion of WEC Group’s Heavy Machining facility, increasing production capacity and enabling the delivery of larger, more technically demanding projects within sectors such as nuclear and defence. At the same time, further investment has been made at MTL Advanced’s 387,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Rotherham, including enhancements to its Advanced Manufacturing Centre, strengthening the group’s specialist contract manufacturing offering.
James Pickles, Regional Director of WEC Group, said:
“The past 12 months have been a hugely positive period for WEC Group. Growing from 900 to more than 1,100 employees is a major milestone and reflects the strength of our teams, the quality of out customer relationships and the confidence we have in the future of the business”
“This growth has been supported by significant investment across the group, including our new Heavy Machining expansion and continued investment in state-of-the-art machinery across our sites. These developments are helping us increase capacity for our customers, improve our capabilities and support the delivery of major contracts across a range of critical sectors, including nuclear and defence.”
Recruitment remains a central part of WEC Group’s long-term growth strategy, ensuring the business has the skilled workforce needed to meet increasing customer demand while maintaining the highest standards of quality, delivery and customer service. Vacancies are available across skilled and semi-skilled engineering roles, as well as opportunities for individuals beginning their careers in the manufacturing sector.
Steve Hartley, Managing Director and Founder of WEC Group, added:
“Investing in the very latest technology and talented people has always been at the core of our sustainable growth strategy. We currently have over 120 live vacancies across the country, which demonstrates the scale of opportunity within the business.
“We are looking for motivated people who want to build long-term careers with a growing, ambitious manufacturing group. Apprenticeships also remain central to our future. With a further 40 apprentices expected to join us in September, we are continuing to invest heavily in skills, training and the next generation of world-class talent.”
Strong contract wins across several key sectors have continued to support WEC Group’s expansion, creating sustained demand across its specialist manufacturing divisions. As the business continues to increase capacity and invest in new equipment and facilities, recruitment is expected to remain a key priority.
To support this ongoing growth, WEC Group has also launched a dedicated careers website, making it easier for prospective employees to explore opportunities across the business. Skilled welders and machinists continue to be among the most in-demand roles as the group expands its manufacturing capabilities.
Steve Hartley concluded:
“Our outlook is extremely positive. We have a strong order book, major investment underway and a growing workforce across the group. Continued recruitment will be essential as we build on this momentum and ensure we have the people, skills and capacity needed to support our customers now and in the future.”