We’re incredibly proud to announce a huge win for the Quora Group team: we’ve been named the Regional Winner of The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award at the North East National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025!

This award is a massive honour, and it’s not just a trophy for the shelf—it’s a powerful recognition of our commitment to nurturing talent, right here in the North East.

Why Apprenticeships Are Essential to Quora Group

At Quora Group, we specialise in building services engineering—delivering vital mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) solutions across the UK. For us, apprenticeships are not a small side project; they are the heart of our long-term workforce strategy. They are how we future-proof our business and ensure we have the technical experts needed to keep growing.

This commitment has delivered real results, helping us double our turnover between 2020 and 2025. More importantly, it allows us to build a loyal, skilled workforce with aligned values.

  • Our Dedication in Numbers: In the last five years, we have recruited over 25 apprentices, with a phenomenal retention rate of over 90% moving into full-time roles.
  • Future Focus: Our future goal is to recruit at least six apprentices annually, supporting continued growth and succession planning.

It is All About Personalised Support

What makes our programme truly exceptional is the level of personalised, hands-on support every single apprentice receives. We do not just hand you a hard hat and an instruction manual!

Our framework includes:

  • Dedicated Mentors: Every apprentice is paired with a qualified mentor.
  • Regular Check-ins: We conduct quarterly 360° reviews involving the apprentice, their supervisor, and college tutors to monitor progress and celebrate successes.
  • Flexibility to Thrive: We are agile and responsive. If an apprentice’s interests or strengths evolve, we can pivot their pathway to ensure they thrive. For example, when Luke Atkinson failed to enjoy his original pathway, we were able to move him into plumbing and heating, where he is now thriving.
  • Led by Experience: Our programme is proudly overseen by Emma Allison (HR Support), who started as a business admin apprentice herself and is now working toward a degree in Leadership & Management.

We prioritise holistic development, making sure apprentices participate in soft skills training, team meetings, and initiatives like the Apprentice Military Challenge Day and our company-wide Health and Wellbeing Day. Mental health is also prioritised, with multiple staff, including apprentices, trained as Mental Health First Aiders.

Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders

This award is not just about the company; it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing apprentices. We are already seeing them become the next generation of Quora Group leaders:

  • Dale Hood, Heating & Vent Apprentice, was fast-tracked to Supervisor.
  • Finlay Thomson progressed from a business admin apprenticeship to become a Level 4 AAT Trainee Accountant.
  • Kiera Short went from Business Admin Apprentice to Helpdesk Service Co-ordinator.

As Finlay Thomson said himself, “Since joining Quora Group as a business admin apprentice, I have progressed to training as a fully qualified accountant. The environment encourages and supports development—it is a great place to work”.

What is Next?

Winning this regional title means we now have the incredible opportunity to represent the North East at the National Final on 26 November 2025! Wish us luck!

We are committed to continuing our investment in local talent. We are shaping the future of the building services sector, and we want you to be a part of it!