Process news in brief: Apprenticeships, contracts, awards, appointments

They include the former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Natascha Engel; Professor Paul Monks, ex-chief scientific advisor for energy security and Net Zero; University of Birmingham pro-vice chancellor for research professor Rachel O'Reilly; and Loughborough University professor Paul Conway, former chair of EPSRC's Manufacturing the Future strategic advisory team.

In a statement MTC said: “Together, they bring decades of experience in industrial policy, cutting-edge research, net zero transition and advanced manufacturing processes - expertise the organisation hopes will help bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and commercial deployment as manufacturers navigate technology adoption and sustainability pressures.”

……………………………………..

British Engines has officially opened applications for its?2026 apprenticeship programme. The Newcastle-based engineering group is now inviting interest for roles starting in?September, saying it would continue a long-standing commitment “to developing the next generation of engineering talent”.

A total of 20 apprenticeship vacancies?are available across a range of disciplines, including Engineering Support Technician, Machining, Maintenance, Engineering Fitter, Purchasing, and Metal Fabrication. The programme is designed for individuals aged?16+. 

Founded in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1922, the engineering group employs around?1,200 people globally.

……………………………………..

STATS Group has been awarded a pipeline contractor’s licence for California, allowing it to bid on and perform pipeline projects its specialist pipeline technology and tools, while ensuring compliance with state and local regulations

……………………………………..

BEKO TECHNOLOGIES has appointed Mark Hayes to head its new operation in Ireland. The company said it saw huge untapped potential in the market and recognised the need to have an Irish-run operation to grow the business there.

It added the need had become apparent since the implementation of Brexit and the creation of greater bureaucratic hurdles between the UK and the EU’s member states, making business more complicated between Britain and Ireland.

……………………………………..

Voting for nominees in the Pump Industry Association’s annual PIA Awards runs till 16 January.

A full list of finalists in nine categories can be viewed here. The 2026 awards event will take place at the Hilton at St. George's Park, Burton upon Trent on Thursday 1th March.

……………………………………..

Sunswap, the British manufacturer of battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration, is penetrating the Latin American market through a distribution partnership with the Chilean operator Trailerlogistics. It said analysis demonstrated solar panels couldcontribute up to 80% of energy needs in operations within the South American state.

……………………………………..

NMITE, the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering has appointed Dr Richard Lillington as its first Head of Teaching and Learning.

Lillington was until recently senior teaching fellow in Aston University’s College of Engineering and Physics. Prior to this, he led teaching in mechanical engineering at Warwick University. 

“Universities produce amazing engineers but sometimes they are not as confident or hands on as they could be – great at maths but not at solving real-world problems. This is where NMITE comes in,” vowed Lillington.

……………………………………..

Specialists in the exploration and production of iodine and manufacturers of specialty chemical products, Iofina plc, has delivered a market update on performance during Q4 2025 and for the full year ended 31 December 2025.

Highights included record Q4 production of 221.8 MT of crystalline iodine from eight IOsorb plants in Oklahoma. Meanwhile 2025 revenue expected to exceed US$65m with EBITDA expected to be greater than US$11m. This was supported by strong iodine pricing above $70/kg, said the company.

……………………………………..

Emerson has been named the 2026 Industrial IoT Company of the Year at the 10th annual IoT Breakthrough Awards.  This is the seventh time the company, which last year acquired Aspen Technology, has won the award. Previously, it has been recognised for Industrial Innovation of the Year and Analytics Platform of the Year.

……………………………………..

Omega Control Solutions has been awarded Siemens Solution Partner status, as a specialist in advanced industrial automation and digital engineering.

Omega said the award recognised its track record in delivering complex control systems and digital twin solutions for manufacturers and process operators in sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, oil and gas, and the emerging hydrogen economy.

……………………………………..

Pic: British Engines